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R76.0
ICD-10-CM
Rheumatoid Factor Positive

Understanding Rheumatoid Factor Positive diagnosis? Learn about RF positive blood test, rheumatoid arthritis serology, clinical significance, and implications for healthcare documentation and medical coding. Explore information on ICD-10 codes related to RF positive arthritis, diagnostic criteria, and differential diagnosis considerations for accurate medical record keeping and billing. Find resources for healthcare professionals on interpreting RF positive results in patient care.

Also known as

Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA with Rheumatoid Factor

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Presence of autoantibodies (rheumatoid factor) in the blood, not always indicating rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Clinical Signs : Joint pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, sometimes no symptoms.
  • Common Settings : Rheumatology clinics, primary care, diagnosed through blood tests.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R76.0 Coding
M05-M14

Rheumatoid arthritis

Covers various forms of rheumatoid arthritis.

M30-M36

Systemic connective tissue disorders

Includes conditions where rheumatoid factor may be present.

M79.0

Rheumatism, unspecified

May be used if specific type of rheumatism is unknown.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is Rheumatoid Factor positive associated with a confirmed diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

  • Yes

    Is RA in remission?

  • No

    Is RF+ associated with any other specific disease?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Rheumatoid Factor Positive
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Undifferentiated Arthritis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Rheumatoid factor positive diagnosis code
  • Document RF titer value and units
  • Specify method used for RF testing
  • Correlate RF positivity with clinical findings
  • Document impact on treatment decisions

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified RA Code

    Using unspecified codes like M06.9 without documented RA stage/manifestations risks underpayment and audit scrutiny.

  • Missing Manifestations

    Failing to code RA manifestations (e.g., joint involvement, extra-articular features) leads to inaccurate severity capture and lost revenue.

  • Conflicting Serology/Diagnosis

    Discrepancy between positive rheumatoid factor and final RA diagnosis requires clarification and accurate coding to avoid compliance issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Code RF+ as M05.81, ensure ICD-10-CM compliance
  • Document joint pain, swelling, stiffness for CDI accuracy
  • Order CCP antibody test, improve diagnostic specificity
  • Start DMARDs early, document rationale for compliance
  • Monitor disease activity, code flare-ups with ICD-10

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Verify elevated RF titer documented (ICD-10: M05.8, M06.0)
  • 2. Confirm >1 joint with clinical synovitis (patient safety)
  • 3. Document symptom duration >=6 weeks (clinical documentation)
  • 4. Check for other RF causes (diagnosis accuracy, coding compliance)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Rheumatoid Factor Positive: Coding accuracy impacts reimbursement for M05-M06, M15-M19 ICD-10 codes.
  • Proper RA coding (M05-M06, M15-M19) affects quality reporting metrics like patient outcomes and cost.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis coding impacts hospital value-based purchasing programs.
  • Accurate RF+ coding ensures appropriate reimbursement and improves data for RA research and analysis.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code M05.8+ for seropositive RA
  • Specify laterality: left, right, bilateral
  • Document disease activity/severity
  • Use M06.+ for other specified RA
  • Query physician for clarity if unclear

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, including morning stiffness, joint pain, and swelling.  The patient reports experiencing fatigue, decreased range of motion, and symmetrical joint involvement, primarily affecting the small joints of the hands and feet.  Physical examination reveals palpable synovitis and tenderness in the affected joints.  Laboratory results confirm a positive rheumatoid factor (RF) test, supporting the diagnosis of rheumatoid factor positive rheumatoid arthritis.  Differential diagnoses considered included osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus.  Based on the patient's presentation, positive rheumatoid factor, and clinical findings, the diagnosis of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis is established.  The patient's disease activity score (DAS28) was calculated to assess disease severity.  Treatment plan includes initiation of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate, to manage disease progression and alleviate symptoms.  Patient education regarding medication management, lifestyle modifications including regular exercise and a balanced diet, and the importance of follow-up appointments for monitoring disease activity and treatment efficacy was provided.  ICD-10 code M05.89, Rheumatoid arthritis with rheumatoid factor positive, is assigned.  CPT codes for evaluation and management (E/M) services and laboratory testing will be billed accordingly.  The patient will be scheduled for follow-up to monitor treatment response and adjust therapy as needed.