Monoarthritis, not elsewhere classified, left shoulder

This code signifies inflammation of a single joint (monoarthritis) in the left shoulder that is not classified under more specific arthritic conditions. It indicates an isolated inflammatory process affecting the glenohumeral joint, acromioclavicular joint, or sternoclavicular joint on the left side, without an identified underlying systemic cause or specific infectious agent.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates monoarthritis affecting the left shoulder, and no other more specific ICD-10-CM code (e.g., for rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or infectious arthritis) is applicable. This code is appropriate for cases where the etiology of the monoarthritis is unknown or not yet fully investigated, or when it's determined to be a localized inflammatory response.

• Ensure documentation specifies "left shoulder" and confirms monoarticular involvement.
• Always review the medical record for a more specific diagnosis of arthritis (e.g., infectious, psoriatic, gouty) before assigning this code.
• Consider sequencing this code after any underlying systemic conditions if they are identified as contributing factors to the monoarthritis.