Palindromic rheumatism, unspecified shoulder

This code signifies a diagnosis of palindromic rheumatism affecting an unspecified shoulder. Palindromic rheumatism is a rare, episodic inflammatory arthritis characterized by recurrent, acute attacks of joint pain and swelling that resolve completely within days, often without residual damage. These attacks can affect one or multiple joints, with the shoulder being one of the possible sites.

Use this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of palindromic rheumatism and the affected joint is identified as the shoulder, but laterality (left or right) is not specified. This code is appropriate when the physician explicitly states "palindromic rheumatism of the shoulder" without further detail on the side.

• Ensure the documentation clearly states "palindromic rheumatism" and specifies the shoulder as the affected joint.
• Avoid using this code if laterality (left or right shoulder) is documented; instead, select the more specific code for the affected side.
• Do not confuse with other forms of inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which has a different clinical course and coding.