ICD-10 Code M06.04 – Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, hand (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M06.04 – Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, hand
What it is
M06.04 identifies rheumatoid arthritis affecting the hand when rheumatoid factor is not documented as positive. Use it for inflammatory arthritis of the hand with a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and no serologic evidence recorded.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include painful, swollen, and stiff hand joints, often with symmetric involvement and reduced range of motion. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents rheumatoid arthritis of the hand and specifies that rheumatoid factor is negative or not present. It also applies when the record clearly supports rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor involvement in the hand. Check documentation if the affected side or serologic status is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use it for rheumatoid arthritis with positive rheumatoid factor, or when the diagnosis is only arthralgia, osteoarthritis, or another hand joint disorder. If the hand is not specified, choose the more appropriate site-specific code.
Coding tip
Confirm both the joint site and the rheumatoid factor status in the note before assigning M06.04.