ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM86.0

M86.0

Billable

Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/17/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M86.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis is a severe bone infection that occurs when bacteria spread through the bloodstream to the bone, leading to inflammation and necrosis. This condition is most commonly seen in children but can occur in adults, particularly those with compromised immune systems or chronic conditions. The infection typically affects the long bones, such as the femur or tibia, and can result in severe pain, swelling, and fever. Diagnosis is often made through clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, and laboratory tests that may reveal elevated inflammatory markers. Treatment usually involves a combination of antibiotics and, in some cases, surgical intervention to remove necrotic tissue. If left untreated, acute hematogenous osteomyelitis can lead to chronic osteomyelitis, which poses significant challenges in management and can result in long-term complications such as bone deformities or amputation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic osteomyelitis
  • Identifying the specific site of infection
  • Understanding the patient's medical history and risk factors
  • Interpreting imaging studies accurately

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the site of infection
  • Lack of supporting imaging studies
  • Inconsistent coding of co-existing conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes, imaging results, and treatment plans must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with bone pain, fever, and swelling after recent trauma or surgery.

Billing Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that the surgical notes clearly indicate the presence of infection and any procedures performed to address it.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history of infection, laboratory results, and response to treatment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with systemic infections presenting with bone pain and elevated inflammatory markers.

Billing Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should document the source of infection and any underlying conditions that may predispose the patient to osteomyelitis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M86.0 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M86
  • 0 should be used when the osteomyelitis is acute and hematogenous in origin
  • Coders must ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and that the infection is not due to direct trauma or surgery

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M86.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into a major joint or bursa

Clinical Scenario

Used when joint aspiration is performed to relieve pressure from an abscess.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure that the procedure is clearly linked to the diagnosis of osteomyelitis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteomyelitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M86.0 provides a clear distinction between acute and chronic conditions, which is essential for treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteomyelitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M86.0 provides a clear distinction between acute and chronic conditions, which is essential for treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. M86.0 provides a clear distinction between acute and chronic conditions, which is essential for treatment planning.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis?

Common causes include bacterial infections, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, and conditions that compromise the immune system, such as diabetes or IV drug use.

How is acute hematogenous osteomyelitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies like MRI or CT scans, and laboratory tests that may show elevated inflammatory markers.