ICD-10 Code M02.249 – Postimmunization arthropathy, unspecified hand (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M02.249 – Postimmunization arthropathy, unspecified hand
What it is
M02.249 identifies joint pain or inflammation in an unspecified hand after immunization. Use it when the record links the arthropathy to a vaccine reaction and does not name a more specific hand joint.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. You may see hand joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced range of motion after vaccination, with the provider documenting a postimmunization arthropathy.
When to use this code
Use this code when the clinician documents arthropathy of the hand as a postimmunization effect and does not specify which hand joint is involved. It is appropriate when the diagnosis is clearly tied to a recent immunization and the site remains unspecified. If the record names a different cause or a more specific joint, code that detail instead.
Do not use for
Do not use it for general vaccine side effects without documented arthropathy, or for hand pain with no postimmunization link. Check documentation if the cause, laterality, or affected joint is stated elsewhere.
Coding tip
Code the documented vaccine-related arthropathy first, and capture a more specific hand joint code if the provider identifies one.