Polyarthralgia ICD-10 Code: M25.50
Last updated: January 31, 2025
For polyarthralgia (joint pain in multiple sites), use M25.50 (Pain in unspecified joint) or code each affected joint site using specific M25.5x codes. Site-specific coding is preferred when joints are documented.
Primary Code Details
| Code | Description | Billable |
|---|---|---|
| M25.50 | Pain in unspecified joint | Yes |
Related Codes
Documentation Requirements
- Document which specific joints are affected
- Note if arthralgia is symmetric or asymmetric
- Document any swelling, redness, or other inflammatory signs
- Rule out or document underlying conditions (RA, lupus, viral arthralgia)
Common Coding Scenarios
Documentation:
"Patient reports pain in both knees and right shoulder. No swelling or redness."
Code:
M25.561, M25.562, M25.511 - Pain in right knee, left knee, right shoulder
Rationale:
When specific joints are documented, code each site separately for more accurate data capture.
Documentation:
"Diffuse polyarthralgia affecting multiple joints. Rheumatologic workup pending."
Code:
M25.50 - Pain in unspecified joint
Rationale:
Use M25.50 when multiple joints are affected but specific sites are not documented.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single code for polyarthralgia. Use M25.50 (Pain in unspecified joint) for general joint pain, or code each affected joint site using specific M25.5x codes.
When possible, yes. ICD-10-CM has specific codes for each joint site (M25.511 for right shoulder, M25.561 for right knee, etc.). Site-specific coding provides better clinical data.
For widespread joint pain, M25.50 is acceptable. Document the clinical picture in the record even if coding each site is impractical.
Related Resources
Last updated: January 2025. Code data reflects ICD-10-CM 2026 version. This guide is for educational purposes only. Always verify codes against current official guidelines.