Palindromic rheumatism, unspecified hip

This code signifies a diagnosis of palindromic rheumatism affecting an unspecified hip. Palindromic rheumatism is a rare, episodic inflammatory arthritis characterized by recurrent, self-limiting attacks of joint pain and swelling that resolve completely between episodes, without causing permanent joint damage.

Use this code when the physician's documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of palindromic rheumatism and specifies the hip as the affected joint, but does not specify laterality (e.g., "palindromic rheumatism of the hip"). This code is appropriate when the exact hip (left or right) is not documented or is unknown.

• Ensure documentation clearly links palindromic rheumatism to the hip joint.
• Avoid using this code if laterality (left or right hip) is specified; instead, use the more specific codes M12.351 or M12.352.
• Consider coding any associated systemic manifestations or other joint involvement separately if documented.