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  6. 2026 ICD-10-CM Code M08.0

2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M08.0

Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

ICD-10-CM Code:
M08.0
ICD-10 Code for:
Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

M08.0 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2026 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Unspecified diagnosis codes like M08.0 are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.

Specific Coding Applicable to Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Non-specific codes like M08.0 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis:

  • Use M08.00 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis of unspecified site - BILLABLE CODE

  • M08.01 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, shoulder - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.011 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, right shoulder - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.012 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, left shoulder - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.019 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, unspecified shoulder - BILLABLE CODE

  • M08.02 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis of elbow - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.021 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, right elbow - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.022 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, left elbow - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.029 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, unspecified elbow - BILLABLE CODE

  • M08.03 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, wrist - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.031 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, right wrist - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.032 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, left wrist - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.039 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, unspecified wrist - BILLABLE CODE

  • M08.04 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, hand - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.041 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, right hand - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.042 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, left hand - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.049 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, unspecified hand - BILLABLE CODE

  • M08.05 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, hip - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.051 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, right hip - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.052 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, left hip - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.059 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, unspecified hip - BILLABLE CODE

  • M08.06 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, knee - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.061 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, right knee - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.062 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, left knee - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.069 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, unspecified knee - BILLABLE CODE

  • M08.07 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankle and foot - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.071 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, right ankle and foot - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.072 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, left ankle and foot - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.079 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, unspecified ankle and foot - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.08 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, vertebrae - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.09 for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sites - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use M08.0A for Unspecified juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, other specified site - BILLABLE CODE

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
    M00–M99
    • Inflammatory polyarthropathies
      M05-M14
      • Juvenile arthritis
        M08

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Inclusion Terms

Inclusion Terms
These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.
  • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis with or without rheumatoid factor

Patient Education


Juvenile Arthritis

What is juvenile arthritis?

Juvenile arthritis (JA) is arthritis that happens in children. It causes joint inflammation (swelling), pain, stiffness, and loss of motion. Joints are places where two bones meet, such as your elbow or knee. It can affect any joint, but it is more common in the knees, hands, and feet.

JA can affect your child's growth and development, and in some cases, it can also affect other organs. Finding JA early and starting treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce joint damage.

Who is more likely to get juvenile arthritis?

There are several other forms of arthritis affecting children. The most common type of JA in children under age 16 is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). There are multiple types of JIA. Symptoms and the number of joints affected help determine the type. Some types of JIA are more common in girls.

What causes juvenile arthritis?

The exact cause of JA is unknown. Most types are autoimmune disorders. This means that your immune system, which normally helps your body fight infection, attacks your body's tissues.

What are the symptoms of juvenile arthritis?

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of JA. The symptoms of most types include joint pain, swelling, warmth, and stiffness. Your child may not complain of pain or stiffness, but one early sign of JA may be limping or clumsiness in the morning or after resting. Larger joints, such as the knee, may be swollen.

Certain types of JA can cause a high fever, swollen lymph nodes, a rash, growth problems, or eye inflammation in some children. Symptoms can come and go. Some children have just one or two flare-ups. Others have symptoms that never go away.

How is juvenile arthritis diagnosed?

There is no single test for JA, so it can be hard to diagnose. Your health care provider may:

  • Ask about medical history and symptoms.
  • Do a physical exam.
  • Order blood tests or imaging studies.

What are the treatments for juvenile arthritis?

A team of providers usually treats JA. Treatment will depend on your child's age, the type of JA, and how bad it is. Treatment can include medicines and physical therapy to help maintain movement and reduce swelling and pain.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis refers to a group of conditions involving joint inflammation (arthritis) that first appears before the age of 16. This condition is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body's organs and tissues, in this case the joints.

Researchers have described seven types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The types are distinguished by their signs and symptoms, the number of joints affected, the results of laboratory tests, and the family history.

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis causes inflammation in one or more joints. A high daily fever that lasts at least 2 weeks either precedes or accompanies the arthritis. Individuals with systemic arthritis may also have a skin rash or enlargement of the lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), liver (hepatomegaly), or spleen (splenomegaly).

Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (also known as oligoarthritis) is marked by the occurrence of arthritis in four or fewer joints in the first 6 months of the disease. It is divided into two subtypes depending on the course of disease. If the arthritis is confined to four or fewer joints after 6 months, then the condition is classified as persistent oligoarthritis. If more than four joints are affected after 6 months, this condition is classified as extended oligoarthritis. Individuals with oligoarthritis are at increased risk of developing inflammation of the eye (uveitis).

Rheumatoid factor positive polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (also known as polyarthritis, rheumatoid factor positive) causes inflammation in five or more joints within the first 6 months of the disease. Individuals with this condition also have a positive blood test for proteins called rheumatoid factors. This type of arthritis closely resembles rheumatoid arthritis as seen in adults.

Rheumatoid factor negative polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (also known as polyarthritis, rheumatoid factor negative) is also characterized by arthritis in five or more joints within the first 6 months of the disease. Individuals with this type, however, test negative for rheumatoid factor in the blood.

Psoriatic juvenile idiopathic arthritis involves arthritis that usually occurs in combination with a skin disorder called psoriasis. Psoriasis is a condition characterized by patches of red, irritated skin that are often covered by flaky white scales. Some affected individuals develop psoriasis before arthritis while others first develop arthritis. Other features of psoriatic arthritis include abnormalities of the fingers and nails or eye problems.

Enthesitis-related juvenile idiopathic arthritis is characterized by tenderness where the bone meets a tendon, ligament, or other connective tissue. The most commonly affected places are the hips, knees, and feet. This tenderness, known as enthesitis, accompanies the joint inflammation of arthritis. Enthesitis-related arthritis may also involve inflammation in parts of the body other than the joints.

The last type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis is called undifferentiated arthritis. This classification is given to affected individuals who do not fit into any of the above types or who fulfill the criteria for more than one type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes chronic inflammation that primarily affects the joints. The most common signs and symptoms are pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints. This condition frequently affects the hands and feet, although the shoulders, hips, spine, and knees may become involved in the later stages of the disease. Joints are typically affected in a symmetrical pattern; for example, if joints in the hand are affected, both hands tend to be involved. People with rheumatoid arthritis may have trouble with tasks such as opening jars, turning doorknobs, or fastening buttons. Joint pain and stiffness tend to be worse after waking up in the morning or after a long rest. 

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation in other tissues and organs, including the eyes, skin, heart, and blood vessels. Affected individuals may also have inflammation in the lungs, which is known as interstitial lung disease. 

Additional signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can include a loss of energy, a low fever, weight loss, and a shortage of red blood cells (anemia). Some affected individuals develop rheumatoid nodules, which are firm lumps of noncancerous tissue that can grow under the skin and elsewhere in the body.

Most people who have rheumatoid arthritis are 55 years old and older, although it can affect adults of any age. The signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis usually appear in mid to late adulthood. Many affected people have recurrent episodes of symptoms (flares) followed by periods with no symptoms (remissions). In severe cases, affected individuals have continuous health problems related to the disease for many years. The abnormal inflammation can lead to severe joint damage, which limits movement and can cause significant disability.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2026 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2025 through 9/30/2026
  • FY 2025 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2024 through 9/30/2025
  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.