Pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, left elbow

This code signifies a chronic inflammatory joint disease affecting four or fewer joints, specifically located in the left elbow of a juvenile patient. It is a subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), characterized by persistent synovitis. The "pauciarticular" classification indicates limited joint involvement.

Use this code for a pediatric patient diagnosed with pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis where the left elbow is the affected joint. Documentation should clearly state the diagnosis, the specific joint involved (left elbow), and confirm the pauciarticular subtype. This code is appropriate for initial diagnoses and subsequent encounters for ongoing management of this condition.

• Ensure documentation specifies "left elbow" and not just "elbow" or "bilateral elbows."
• Verify the "pauciarticular" subtype; other JIA subtypes have different codes.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.