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2025 ICD-10-CM code M34.8

Other forms of systemic sclerosis.

Use an external cause code following the code for the musculoskeletal condition, if applicable, to identify the cause of the musculoskeletal condition. Do not use M34.8 if the condition can be classified under a more specific code within M34.

Medical necessity must be established by documenting the signs, symptoms, and clinical findings supporting the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis. This may include physical exam findings, imaging studies, laboratory results, and pulmonary function tests if lung involvement is suspected.The documentation should also reflect the severity of the condition and the need for ongoing management.

Diagnosis of systemic sclerosis requires a thorough evaluation including patient history, physical examination, imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans), blood tests (autoantibody tests, ESR, CBC), urinalysis, and sometimes skin biopsy. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and organ-specific complications, and may involve corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, NSAIDs, and physical therapy.

In simple words: This code refers to a rare disease called systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma.It's when your body makes too much of a protein called collagen, causing your skin and other tissues to become thick and hard. It can also affect internal organs. This specific code is used when the scleroderma doesn't fit into other, more specific categories.

This code represents other forms of systemic sclerosis, a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by thickening and hardening of the skin and connective tissues. It can also affect internal organs. This code is used for systemic sclerosis not otherwise specified, excluding localized scleroderma (morphea) and neonatal scleroderma.

Example 1: A 45-year-old female presents with skin thickening on her hands and face, Raynaud's phenomenon, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.She tests positive for scleroderma antibodies.After ruling out other specified forms, she is diagnosed with other forms of systemic sclerosis (M34.8)., A patient with a history of mixed connective tissue disease develops widespread skin thickening, lung involvement, and kidney problems consistent with systemic sclerosis. Since it doesn't fit neatly into limited or diffuse categories, the physician codes it as M34.8., A 30-year-old male experiences skin tightening and difficulty swallowing.Further testing reveals involvement of the esophagus and small intestine. With no other clear subtype identified, he receives a diagnosis of other forms of systemic sclerosis (M34.8).

Documentation should include the type of systemic sclerosis, description of skin involvement, affected organs, associated symptoms, and diagnostic test results.

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