Other juvenile arthritis, left hand

This code identifies a form of juvenile arthritis affecting the left hand, not otherwise specified as a more specific type (e.g., juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile psoriatic arthritis). It indicates chronic inflammation of one or more joints in the left hand, with onset before 16 years of age.

Use this code when documentation specifies juvenile arthritis impacting the left hand, but a more precise diagnostic code for the specific type of juvenile arthritis is not available or not yet determined. This code is appropriate when the physician's diagnosis explicitly states "other juvenile arthritis" or "juvenile arthritis, not otherwise specified" of the left hand.

• Always strive for the most specific juvenile arthritis code available if the type is documented (e.g., M08.0- for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis).
• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies the left hand as the affected site.
• This code should be sequenced as a primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if another condition is being primarily managed.