ICD-10 Code A69.23 – Arthritis due to Lyme disease (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A69.23 – Arthritis due to Lyme disease
What it is
A69.23 identifies arthritis caused by Lyme disease, a tick-borne infection from Borrelia burgdorferi. Use it when joint inflammation is documented as a manifestation of Lyme disease.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include swelling, pain, and limited motion in one or more joints, often the knee. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the affected joint and whether Lyme disease is confirmed.
When to use this code
Use A69.23 when the record clearly states Lyme arthritis, arthritic Lyme disease, or arthritis due to Lyme disease. You should code this when the joint problem is linked to Lyme infection, not when Lyme disease is only suspected.
If the documentation describes other Lyme manifestations without arthritis, choose the more specific Lyme code instead. Check documentation when the provider does not explicitly connect the arthritis to Lyme disease.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonspecific joint pain, degenerative arthritis, or arthritis from another cause. It is also incorrect when Lyme disease is not documented as the reason for the arthritis.
Coding tip
Code the Lyme-related arthritis only when the provider links the joint inflammation to Lyme disease in the note.