Arthropathy associated with respiratory disorders

This code signifies joint disease that arises as a secondary complication of an underlying respiratory condition. It describes arthropathies where the joint involvement is directly attributable to, or exacerbated by, a disorder of the lungs or other parts of the respiratory system.

Use this code when documentation clearly links a patient's arthropathy to a diagnosed respiratory disorder, such as cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or bronchiectasis. This code is appropriate when the joint symptoms are considered a systemic manifestation or complication of the respiratory illness.

• Always code the underlying respiratory disorder first, as this arthropathy is a secondary condition.
• Ensure physician documentation explicitly states the association between the respiratory disorder and the arthropathy.
• Distinguish from primary arthropathies (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis) that coincidentally occur in a patient with a respiratory disorder.