Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, unsp site

This code signifies a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder primarily affecting the joints, characterized by the absence of rheumatoid factor (RF) in diagnostic testing. It represents a seronegative form of rheumatoid arthritis where the specific anatomical location of involvement has not been documented.

Use this code when a patient has a confirmed diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, but laboratory tests for rheumatoid factor are negative, and the medical record does not specify which joints are affected. This code is appropriate when the provider explicitly documents "seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, unspecified site" or similar.

• Do not use this code if the rheumatoid factor status is unknown; instead, consider M06.9 (Rheumatoid arthritis, unspecified, unspecified site).
• Always strive for greater specificity regarding the affected joint(s) if documented, using codes from M06.01-M06.09.
• Ensure documentation clearly states "seronegative" or "rheumatoid factor negative" to support the "without rheumatoid factor" component.