Pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, left wrist

This code identifies a chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition affecting the left wrist in a pediatric patient. "Pauciarticular" indicates that four or fewer joints are involved, making it a specific subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The inflammation primarily targets the synovial lining of the joint.

Apply this code when documentation specifies a diagnosis of pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis affecting only the left wrist. This diagnosis is typically made by a rheumatologist based on clinical findings, laboratory tests, and imaging. Ensure the laterality is explicitly stated as "left."

• Verify the specific joint involved and its laterality; "right" or "bilateral" wrists would require different codes.
• Confirm the "pauciarticular" subtype is documented, as other subtypes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis exist.
• Do not use this code for adult rheumatoid arthritis; specific codes exist for adult-onset conditions.