Chronic postrheumatic arthropathy [Jaccoud], multiple sites

This code signifies a chronic joint disease characterized by deformities, particularly of the hands and feet, that develop as a sequela of recurrent rheumatic fever. It represents a non-erosive arthropathy, often involving ulnar deviation of the fingers, resulting from inflammation and damage to periarticular soft tissues.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of Jaccoud's arthropathy, specifically noting its chronic nature and involvement of multiple joint sites. Supporting documentation should detail a history of rheumatic fever and the characteristic joint deformities.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "chronic" and "multiple sites" to support this specific code.
• Differentiate from acute rheumatic fever with cardiac involvement (I00-I02) or other forms of chronic polyarthropathy.
• Do not use for acute postrheumatic arthropathy; this code is exclusively for the chronic sequela.