Dermatology Coding Alert

Question: What is the CPT code for paraneoplastic arthritis, and please explain when I would use this.

North Dakota Subscriber

Answer: Paraneoplastic arthritis is a form of arthritis that arises from the presence of a neoplasm, usually malignant, in the body. This form of arthritis may also arise from a malignant melanoma on the patient's skin surface.

To correctly code the condition, the physician must document the condition in the medical record. Then you would code the malignancy/neoplasm as the primary diagnosis (because it is the cause of the arthritis) then code the manifestation (the arthritis). You should try 713.2, Arthropathy associated with hematological disorders (if the cause is leukemia, for instance).