M06.379
BillableRheumatoid nodule, unspecified ankle and foot
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 93 — Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammatory Connective Tissue Disease
0.175V24HCC 40 — Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammatory Connective Tissue Disease
0.307ESRDHCC 40 — Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammatory Connective Tissue Disease
0.000RxHCCHCC 83 — Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammatory Connective Tissue Disease
0.000What This Code Means
A firm, non-cancerous nodule associated with rheumatoid arthritis that develops in or around the ankle or foot, but the specific side is not specified.
Coding Tips
- •Use this code only when documentation does not specify right or left ankle/foot, or explicitly states unspecified
- •Query the provider if laterality can be determined from clinical notes or imaging reports to allow for more specific coding
Clinical Significance
Rheumatoid nodules in unspecified ankle and foot locations indicate advanced rheumatoid arthritis with significant mobility implications and high risk for functional disability. The weight-bearing nature of these joints makes nodular involvement particularly challenging for patient management and quality of life.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Established rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis with clinical validation
- ✓Physical examination confirming nodule presence in ankle/foot region
- ✓Documentation that laterality is not specified or bilateral involvement
- ✓Nodule characteristics described (firm, subcutaneous, non-tender)
- ✓Assessment of functional impact on ambulation and weight-bearing
- ✓Laboratory support for active rheumatoid disease process
- ✓Current treatment regimen and response documentation
- ✓Exclusion of other causes of ankle/foot nodular lesions
Commonly Confused Codes
M06.371 — Rheumatoid nodule, right ankle and foot (when laterality is documented)M06.372 — Rheumatoid nodule, left ankle and foot (when laterality is documented)M06.39 — Rheumatoid nodule, multiple sites (when only ankle/foot involved)M25.579 — Pain in unspecified ankle (symptom without nodule)M79.3 — Panniculitis, unspecified (non-rheumatoid subcutaneous nodule)
Code Hierarchy
└M06Other rheumatoid arthritis└M06.3Rheumatoid nodule└M06.37Rheumatoid nodule, ankle and foot└M06.379Rheumatoid nodule, unspecified ankle and foot
└M06.379Rheumatoid nodule, unspecified ankle and foot