ICD-10 Code M06.049 – Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, unspecified hand (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M06.049 – Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, unspecified hand
What it is
This code identifies rheumatoid arthritis affecting an unspecified hand when the record says rheumatoid factor is absent. Use it when the hand is involved, but the exact hand side is not documented.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings include inflammatory joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced hand function, with rheumatoid factor noted as negative or absent.
When to use this code
Use M06.049 when the provider documents rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor and specifies hand involvement, but does not identify right or left hand. It also fits follow-up visits where the diagnosis is established and no laterality is recorded.
If the note only says rheumatoid arthritis or does not mention rheumatoid factor status, check documentation before coding. Do not assume the hand code applies without explicit hand involvement.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for rheumatoid arthritis with positive rheumatoid factor, or when the affected hand is laterality-specific and documented elsewhere. Check documentation if the diagnosis is another inflammatory arthropathy.
Coding tip
Verify both rheumatoid factor status and hand laterality before assigning M06.049.