M08.442
BillablePauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, left hand
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 type of childhood arthritis affecting only a few joints, specifically involving the left hand. This autoimmune condition causes inflammation and joint damage in children.
Coding Tips
- •Verify the laterality is documented as left hand in the medical record before coding
- •Ensure this is pauciarticular type (4 or fewer joints affected) and not polyarticular or systemic onset
Clinical Significance
Left hand involvement in pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is particularly significant for right-handed individuals as it affects the non-dominant hand's support functions. Early intervention with DMARDs and hand therapy is essential to prevent contractures and maintain bilateral hand coordination.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Clear documentation of left hand joint involvement
- ✓Onset before age 16 years
- ✓Total joint count of 4 or fewer
- ✓Symptom duration of at least 6 weeks
- ✓Clinical evidence of joint inflammation
- ✓Hand dominance documentation when relevant
- ✓Assessment of grip strength and fine motor skills
- ✓Response to antirheumatic therapy
Commonly Confused Codes
Code Hierarchy
└M08Juvenile arthritis└M08.4Pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis└M08.44Pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, hand└M08.442Pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, left hand
└M08.442Pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, left hand