ICD-10 Code M05.149 – Rheumatoid Lung Disease with Rheumatoid Arthritis of Unspecified Hand (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M05.149 – Rheumatoid lung disease with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified hand
What it is
This code identifies rheumatoid arthritis affecting an unspecified hand, with associated rheumatoid lung disease. Use it when the record links the joint disease and lung involvement as part of the same rheumatoid condition.
Clinical signs
Documented findings may include inflammatory hand arthritis plus pulmonary manifestations attributed to rheumatoid disease. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the specific lung involvement, such as interstitial changes or other rheumatoid pulmonary disease.
When to use this code
Use this code when the clinician states rheumatoid lung disease is present and the rheumatoid arthritis involves an unspecified hand. The hand side is not documented, or the note does not distinguish right from left. Confirm that the lung disease is linked to rheumatoid arthritis, not another cause.
Do not use for
Do not use it if the lung condition is unrelated to rheumatoid arthritis or if the hand is specifically documented as right or left and a more specific code is available. Check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify both the pulmonary diagnosis and the hand laterality before assigning this code.