Pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, left shoulder

This code signifies a chronic inflammatory joint disease affecting four or fewer joints, specifically located in the left shoulder of a juvenile patient. It is a subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) characterized by its limited joint involvement.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, also known as oligoarticular JIA, affecting only the left shoulder. Supporting documentation would include physician notes detailing the diagnosis, the specific joint involvement, and the patient's age (under 16 years at onset).

• Ensure the documentation specifies "pauciarticular" or "oligoarticular" and not polyarticular or systemic JIA.
• Verify laterality; this code is specific to the left shoulder.
• Confirm the patient's age meets the criteria for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.