ICD-10 Code M05.549 – Rheumatoid polyneuropathy with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified hand (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M05.549 – Rheumatoid polyneuropathy with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified hand
What it is
This code identifies rheumatoid arthritis affecting an unspecified hand, with associated polyneuropathy. Use it when the record links the nerve disorder to rheumatoid disease and does not name the hand side.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include inflammatory arthritis plus peripheral neuropathy symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or reduced sensation. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use M05.549 when the provider documents rheumatoid arthritis with polyneuropathy and specifies the hand involvement as unspecified. It fits cases where the neuropathy is described as rheumatoid-related rather than from another cause. Check documentation if the record does not clearly connect the conditions.
Do not use for
Do not use this code if the neuropathy is unrelated to rheumatoid arthritis or if the hand side is documented as right or left. Do not guess the diagnosis source or laterality.
Coding tip
Confirm both the rheumatoid arthritis association and the unspecified hand laterality before assigning M05.549.