ICD-10 Code M02.9 – Reactive arthropathy, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M02.9 – Reactive arthropathy, unspecified
What it is
M02.9 identifies reactive arthropathy when the specific cause, joint pattern, or associated infection is not documented. Use it for an inflammatory joint condition thought to follow an infection, but without further detail.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, you may see joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, often affecting one or more joints after a recent infection.
When to use this code
Use M02.9 when the record states reactive arthropathy or reactive arthritis and does not specify a more precise subtype. It also fits when the clinician links the arthropathy to a preceding infection, but details are incomplete. Check documentation if the note names the causative organism or a different arthropathy type.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, or other clearly identified inflammatory arthropathies. If the documentation gives a specific reactive arthropathy subtype, code that instead.
Coding tip
Query for the triggering infection and any documented subtype before defaulting to M02.9.