Look to These Codes When Dealing with JIA
Question: The practitioner’s notes indicate that a patient is suffering from juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) of the wrist and elbow. What exactly is JIA? Also, which ICD-10-CM code(s) should I choose for the condition? Iowa Subscriber Answer: According to the Cleveland Clinic, “JIA is an autoimmune disease in which [a] child’s immune system mistakenly targets the synovium (the tissue that lines the inside of the joint) and the synovial fluid in the joint. This causes the synovium to make extra fluid, which leads to swelling, pain and joint stiffness. “This immune response and related inflammation can affect nearby tissues, eventually damaging cartilage and bone. The inflammation can also affect other areas of [the] child’s body, especially their eyes. Left untreated, JIA can interfere with [a] child’s normal growth and development. But treatment can significantly improve their overall quality of life.” On your claim, you’ll choose a code from each of the following categories: Elbow JIA Codes Wrist JIA Codes Lindsey Bush, BA, MA, CPC, Production Editor, AAPC
