Pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, left hip

This code signifies a chronic inflammatory joint disease affecting the left hip in a pediatric patient, characterized by involvement of four or fewer joints during the first six months of the illness. It represents a specific subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis with a limited joint distribution.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis specifically affecting the left hip. This diagnosis is typically made by a rheumatologist based on clinical presentation, physical examination findings, and exclusion of other conditions.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "pauciarticular" and clearly identifies the "left hip" as the affected joint.
• Distinguish from polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (M08.3-) which involves five or more joints.
• Always sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.