M05.742 Rheumatoid arthritis with rheumatoid factor of left hand without organ or systems involvement

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Rheumatoid arthritis with rheumatoid factor of left hand without organ or systems involvement
- Medical term: RA with RF of left hand

#### Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation predominantly in the joints. Specifically, this code refers to RA with the presence of rheumatoid factor affecting only the left hand, without any additional organ or systemic involvement.

#### Causes
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors that trigger an autoimmune response.

#### Risk Factors
- Family history of RA or other autoimmune disorders
- Gender; females are more commonly affected than males
- Smoking and other environmental triggers
- Obesity, which increases stress on joints

#### Symptoms
- Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the left hand joints
- Reduced range of motion in affected fingers or hand
- Morning stiffness lasting longer than an hour

#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination of joints for swelling, warmth, and redness
- Blood tests for rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs)
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to assess joint damage

#### Treatment Options
- Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to manage inflammation and pain
- Physical therapy to maintain joint function and mobility
- In severe cases, surgery might be considered to repair or replace damaged joints

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- RA is a chronic condition with variable progression; early detection and management can improve the outlook
- Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor disease activity and adjust treatment as needed

#### Complications
- Joint deformities and loss of hand function if untreated
- Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases due to chronic inflammation

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Regular low-impact exercises, like swimming or walking, to maintain joint flexibility
- Healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant-rich foods
- Quitting smoking and reducing stress through relaxation techniques

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Persistent pain or swelling in hand joints
- Difficulty performing daily tasks due to joint issues
- Sudden increase in severity of symptoms

#### Additional Resources
- American College of Rheumatology: [rheumatology.org](https://www.rheumatology.org/)
- Arthritis Foundation: [arthritis.org](https://www.arthritis.org/)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure documentation specifies the left hand and presence of rheumatoid factor (RF)
- Avoid common errors such as excluding the specificity of the affected area or misclassifying the absence of systemic involvement

Similar Codes