2025 ICD-10-CM code M34.0
Progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. It can also affect internal organs.
Medical necessity for services related to progressive systemic sclerosis should be supported by documentation of the diagnosis, the severity of symptoms, and the impact on the patient's functional status. The need for specific interventions, such as medications, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, should be clearly justified.
Diagnosis and management of progressive systemic sclerosis involve a multidisciplinary approach, often including rheumatologists, dermatologists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, and gastroenterologists, depending on the specific organ involvement.Providers diagnose the condition based on patient history, physical examination, imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, echocardiograms), blood tests (autoantibody tests, ESR, CBC), urinalysis, and sometimes skin biopsy. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and preventing complications. This may include medications to manage Raynaud's phenomenon, control blood pressure, treat gastrointestinal problems, and improve lung function, as well as physical therapy and occupational therapy to maintain mobility and function.
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
- Systemic connective tissue disorders (M30-M36)
In simple words: Progressive systemic sclerosis is a disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, causing the skin and connective tissues to become hard and thick. This can also affect internal organs like the lungs, heart, and kidneys.Symptoms can vary but often include skin changes, cold fingers and toes, joint pain, digestive problems, and breathing difficulties.
Progressive systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is a multisystem autoimmune disorder characterized by thickening and fibrosis of the skin and other connective tissues. This can affect various organs, including the lungs, heart, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms vary depending on the organs involved and the stage of the disease, but commonly include skin changes (tightening, hardening, and discoloration), Raynaud's phenomenon, joint pain, gastrointestinal problems (such as reflux, difficulty swallowing, and constipation), and respiratory issues (such as shortness of breath and cough). In severe cases, organ damage can lead to life-threatening complications.
Example 1: A 45-year-old female presents with skin tightening on her hands and face, Raynaud's phenomenon, and difficulty swallowing. After a thorough evaluation, she is diagnosed with progressive systemic sclerosis., A 55-year-old male experiences progressive shortness of breath and a dry cough. Imaging and pulmonary function tests reveal pulmonary fibrosis, and further testing leads to a diagnosis of progressive systemic sclerosis., A 60-year-old female with long-standing progressive systemic sclerosis develops kidney failure and requires dialysis.
Documentation should include detailed descriptions of skin changes, Raynaud's phenomenon, joint involvement, gastrointestinal symptoms, pulmonary function, and any other affected organ systems.Relevant laboratory and imaging findings, including autoantibody profiles, should also be documented.
- Specialties:Rheumatology, Dermatology, Pulmonology, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital