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, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC, COPC, CPEDC, AAPC Approved Instructor, is a leading authority in managing and improving the performance of physician practices. Her more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, working primarily in the management, compliance, reimbursement, and coding sectors, has provided her with insights into how physician practices can achieve operational excellence. Buckholtz is a John Maxwell Team executive director, where she fulfills her life’s purpose by adding value to other people.

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