ICD-10 Code M05.12 – Rheumatoid lung disease with rheumatoid arthritis of elbow (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M05.12 – Rheumatoid lung disease with rheumatoid arthritis of elbow
What it is
This code identifies rheumatoid arthritis affecting the elbow together with rheumatoid lung disease. Use it when the record clearly links both conditions to the same rheumatoid disease process.
Clinical signs
Findings may include chronic elbow pain, swelling, stiffness, or deformity, along with pulmonary involvement such as interstitial lung disease or other rheumatoid lung manifestations. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use M05.12 when the provider documents rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow and rheumatoid lung disease in the same encounter or problem list. You should also use it when the note states the lung disease is a manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. If the elbow site or lung involvement is not specified, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for rheumatoid arthritis without lung disease, or for lung disease not linked to rheumatoid arthritis. Do not assign it if the elbow joint is not documented as involved.
Coding tip
Confirm both the joint site and the pulmonary manifestation are explicitly documented before coding M05.12.