ICD-10 Code M05.249 – Rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified hand (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M05.249 – Rheumatoid vasculitis with rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified hand
What it is
This code identifies rheumatoid arthritis complicated by rheumatoid vasculitis affecting an unspecified hand. Use it when the record shows both the inflammatory arthritis and vasculitic involvement, but the hand side is not documented.
Clinical signs
Findings may include longstanding rheumatoid arthritis with evidence of vasculitis, such as skin changes, digital ischemia, neuropathy, or other vessel-related manifestations. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents rheumatoid vasculitis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and specifies involvement of the hand, but does not identify right or left. It also fits when the hand location is clear and the hand laterality is not.
Check the note for the exact wording, since rheumatoid vasculitis codes require the rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis to be linked to the vasculitic complication. If the chart only says rheumatoid arthritis without vasculitis, choose a different code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for rheumatoid arthritis of the hand without vasculitis, or for vasculitis unrelated to rheumatoid arthritis. Check documentation if laterality is specified or if another site is named.
Coding tip
Verify that the record explicitly connects vasculitis to rheumatoid arthritis before assigning M05.249.