Rheumatoid bursitis, unspecified hand

This code signifies inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions joints) in an unspecified hand, specifically due to rheumatoid arthritis. It indicates a localized inflammatory process affecting the hand's bursae in a patient with a confirmed diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states "rheumatoid bursitis" affecting the hand, without specifying laterality (right or left). This diagnosis is typically supported by physical examination findings of localized swelling, tenderness, and pain over a bursa in the hand, in a patient with a known history of rheumatoid arthritis.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the bursitis to rheumatoid arthritis; otherwise, a non-rheumatoid bursitis code may be more appropriate.
• Avoid using this code if laterality (right or left hand) is documented; instead, select the more specific M06.241 or M06.242.
• This code should be sequenced after the primary rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis (e.g., M05.xx or M06.xx).