Reactive arthropathy, unspecified

This code represents an inflammatory joint condition that develops in response to an infection elsewhere in the body, but where the specific infectious agent or underlying cause is not documented. It is characterized by sterile inflammation of one or more joints, typically occurring days to weeks after the initial infection.

Use this code when documentation indicates reactive arthropathy but lacks specificity regarding the underlying cause or the affected joint(s). This often occurs when the precipitating infection is unknown, resolved, or not clearly linked to the joint symptoms.

• Avoid using this code if the specific infectious agent (e.g., Chlamydia, Salmonella) is identified; instead, code the specific reactive arthropathy.
• Do not use for infectious arthritis where the joint itself is infected.
• Always attempt to query for more specific information regarding the cause and affected joints to allow for more precise coding.