Heberden's nodes (with arthropathy)

This code represents Heberden's nodes, which are bony enlargements of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints of the fingers, specifically when associated with arthropathy, typically osteoarthritis. These nodes are a classic sign of degenerative joint disease in the hands, resulting from osteophyte formation.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "Heberden's nodes with arthropathy" or "osteoarthritis with Heberden's nodes" affecting the DIP joints. This code is appropriate for patients presenting with pain, stiffness, or deformity in the DIP joints where Heberden's nodes are clinically identified and linked to underlying degenerative changes.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "with arthropathy" or links the nodes to osteoarthritis; otherwise, a more general code for Heberden's nodes without arthropathy might be appropriate.
• Do not confuse Heberden's nodes (DIP joints) with Bouchard's nodes (PIP joints).
• Consider sequencing this code after the primary osteoarthritis code if the arthropathy is the main reason for the encounter.