Chronic postrheumatic arthropathy, unspecified wrist

This code describes a chronic joint disease affecting the wrist, specifically a type of arthropathy that develops as a long-term complication following rheumatic fever. It is characterized by joint deformities and functional impairment, often without active inflammation. This condition is also known as Jaccoud's arthropathy.

Use this code when documentation confirms a chronic, non-inflammatory arthropathy of the wrist that is a sequela of rheumatic fever. This diagnosis is typically made based on a history of rheumatic fever and characteristic hand deformities, such as ulnar deviation of the fingers, which are passively correctable. Documentation should clearly link the wrist arthropathy to a prior rheumatic fever episode.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "chronic" and clearly links the arthropathy to a history of rheumatic fever.
• Do not use this code for acute rheumatic conditions or other types of inflammatory arthritis.
• If the specific wrist (right or left) is documented, use the more specific codes M12.031 or M12.032 instead of this unspecified code.