ICD-10 Code M05.329 – Rheumatoid heart disease with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified elbow (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M05.329 – Rheumatoid heart disease with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified elbow
What it is
This code identifies rheumatoid heart disease occurring with rheumatoid arthritis affecting the elbow, but the elbow laterality is not specified. Use it when the record links both conditions in the same patient.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Rheumatoid arthritis may present with joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced elbow motion, while rheumatoid heart disease involves cardiac findings noted by the clinician.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents rheumatoid heart disease together with rheumatoid arthritis of an elbow and does not specify right or left. It fits encounters focused on either condition when both are confirmed in the assessment.
Code from the chart, not assumptions. If the elbow side is documented elsewhere, use the more specific laterality code instead. Check documentation when the heart involvement is mentioned without a clear rheumatoid link.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow without documented rheumatoid heart disease. Also avoid it when the elbow side is known and a more specific code applies.
Coding tip
Verify both the cardiac diagnosis and the unspecified elbow laterality before assigning M05.329.