Other specified arthritis, unspecified shoulder

This code signifies a form of arthritis affecting the shoulder joint that doesn't fit into more specific categories of inflammatory or degenerative joint disease. It indicates the presence of joint inflammation or degeneration in the shoulder, but the precise type or cause is not further specified.

Apply this code when documentation confirms arthritis of the shoulder, but the specific type (e.g., rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, post-traumatic) is not identified, or it's a less common, "other specified" form. This is appropriate when the physician's diagnosis explicitly states "other specified arthritis of shoulder" or "unspecified arthritis of shoulder" without further detail.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific type of shoulder arthritis (e.g., M19.011 for primary osteoarthritis, right shoulder) is documented.
• Query the provider for greater specificity regarding the type of arthritis and laterality if possible, to allow for a more precise code assignment.
• This code is for an unspecified shoulder; if laterality (right or left) is documented, a more specific code (M13.811 or M13.812) should be used.