A&P Tip: Juvenile Arthritis

By Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC, CPEDC

Juvenile arthritis, which includes juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis in children under the age of 17. It occurs when the immune system attacks its own cells and tissues. It is considered an autoimmune disorder. Both heredity and environment play a role, but the exact cause of this disease is unknown.

Juvenile arthritis can cause persistent pain and swelling of one or more joints, affecting mobility. Other signs include:

• Limping in the morning because of a stiff leg joint
• Clumsiness
• Fever and rash
• Swelling in lymph nodes

Juvenile arthritis can also cause eye inflammation and growth problems. Symptoms may get better or go away (remission) and then return in full force (flare). This condition may last only a few months or a lifetime.

Diagnosis of juvenile arthritis is based on physical exam, lab tests, and medical history. X-rays may also be ordered.

ICD-10 classifies juvenile arthritis (M08) into three major subtypes defined by symptoms present during the first six months following onset: systemic onset, polyarticular onset, and pauciarticular onset.

Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC, CPEDC, is vice president of ICD-10 Training and Education at AAPC.

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Rhonda Buckholtz

Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC, CPEDC,has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, working in the reimbursement, billing, and coding sectors, in addition to being an instructor. She is responsible for all ICD-10 training and curriculum at AAPC. She has authored many articles for health care publications and has spoken at conferences across the country. She is co-chair for the WEDI ICD-10 Implementation Workgroup and has provided testimony ongoing for ICD-10 and standardization of data for NCVHS. She also sits on the Provider Outreach and Education committee for Novitas Solutions (formerly Highmark Medicare Services).

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