Juvenile arthritis, unspecified, unspecified hand

This code signifies a diagnosis of juvenile arthritis without further specification regarding its type, affecting an unspecified hand. It indicates an inflammatory joint condition of unknown etiology that began before the age of 16, with the specific hand (left or right) not documented.

Use this code when the medical record clearly states juvenile arthritis affecting a hand, but the specific type of juvenile arthritis (e.g., oligoarticular, polyarticular, systemic) is not documented. It is also appropriate when the affected hand is not specified. Documentation should confirm the diagnosis of juvenile arthritis and involvement of a hand, without further detail.

• Avoid using this code if the specific type of juvenile arthritis is known; instead, use a more specific M08.- code.
• Do not use if the laterality of the hand is documented (e.g., M08.941 for right hand, M08.942 for left hand).
• Always query the provider for more specific information regarding the type of juvenile arthritis and laterality if available in the clinical picture.