Secondary multiple arthritis

This code describes a form of polyarthritis that develops as a consequence of another underlying systemic disease or condition. It indicates inflammation of multiple joints that is not primary in nature but rather a manifestation of a separate, identifiable etiology.

Use this code when documentation specifies multiple joint involvement secondary to another disease process, such as psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, or lupus. The medical record must clearly link the polyarthritis to the primary underlying condition.

• Always sequence the underlying systemic disease first, followed by this code for the secondary multiple arthritis.
• Do not use this code for primary osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis; those have their own specific codes.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "secondary" or "due to" in relation to the polyarthritis and the primary condition.