Secondary osteoarthritis, unspecified hand

This code signifies degenerative joint disease affecting the hand, which has developed as a consequence of another underlying condition or injury, rather than primary osteoarthritis. The specific hand (right or left) is not documented or is unknown.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates osteoarthritis in the hand is secondary to a known cause (e.g., trauma, inflammatory arthritis, metabolic disorder), but the laterality of the hand is not specified. This is appropriate when the provider notes "secondary osteoarthritis of hand" without further detail on the affected side.

• Avoid using this code if the laterality (right or left hand) is documented; instead, choose the more specific M19.241 or M19.242.
• Always sequence the underlying cause of the secondary osteoarthritis first, if known and applicable.
• Query the provider for laterality if "unspecified hand" is documented but could be clarified.