Pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, unsp wrist

This code signifies a chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting four or fewer joints, specifically the wrist, in individuals under 16 years of age. It represents a subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) characterized by its limited joint involvement.

Assign this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis with involvement of an unspecified wrist. This diagnosis is typically made by a rheumatologist based on clinical examination, laboratory findings, and exclusion of other conditions.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "pauciarticular" and clearly identifies the wrist as the affected joint.
• If the laterality of the wrist (right or left) is documented, a more specific code (M08.431 or M08.432) should be used.
• Do not use this code if more than four joints are involved; consider codes for polyarticular JIA.