Rheumatoid bursitis, right shoulder

This code signifies inflammation of the bursa associated with rheumatoid arthritis in the patient's right shoulder. Bursitis, in this context, is a localized manifestation of the systemic autoimmune disease, causing pain, swelling, and restricted movement in the affected joint.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates bursitis of the right shoulder as a direct complication or manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. Supporting documentation should include a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and specific mention of bursitis affecting the right shoulder.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the bursitis to rheumatoid arthritis; otherwise, a non-rheumatoid bursitis code may be more appropriate.
• Verify laterality; this code is specific to the right shoulder.
• Consider sequencing: the underlying rheumatoid arthritis code (e.g., from the M05 or M06 category) should typically be coded first, followed by this code as a manifestation.