M08.972
BillableJuvenile arthritis, unspecified, left 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 type of arthritis that develops in children, affecting the left ankle and/or foot joints. The specific cause or type of juvenile arthritis is not specified.
Coding Tips
- •Confirm left-sided ankle and/or foot involvement is documented
- •If bilateral ankle/foot involvement exists, code both M08.971 and M08.972
Clinical Significance
Juvenile arthritis of the left ankle and foot represents a significant chronic inflammatory condition that can impair mobility and interfere with normal childhood development and activities. Early and aggressive management is essential to preserve joint function and prevent long-term disability.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Patient age at arthritis onset (under 16 years)
- ✓Documentation of chronic arthritis (minimum 6 weeks)
- ✓Clear specification of left ankle and/or foot involvement
- ✓Evidence of inflammatory changes (swelling, limited motion)
- ✓Functional assessment including gait and mobility
- ✓Current medications and treatment response
- ✓Exclusion of other causes of joint inflammation
- ✓Appropriate imaging and laboratory studies
Commonly Confused Codes
Code Hierarchy
└M08Juvenile arthritis└M08.9Juvenile arthritis, unspecified└M08.97Juvenile arthritis, unspecified, ankle and foot└M08.972Juvenile arthritis, unspecified, left ankle and foot
└M08.972Juvenile arthritis, unspecified, left ankle and foot