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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM86.071

M86.071

Billable

Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, right ankle and foot

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M86.071 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, right ankle and foot.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis is a severe bone infection that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and infect the bone tissue, leading to inflammation and necrosis. In the case of M86.071, the infection specifically affects the right ankle and foot. This condition is often seen in children but can occur in adults, particularly those with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions. Symptoms typically include localized pain, swelling, redness, and fever. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, alongside laboratory tests to identify the causative organism. Treatment often involves antibiotics and may require surgical intervention to remove necrotic tissue. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent complications such as chronic osteomyelitis or limb loss.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic osteomyelitis
  • Identifying the specific location of the infection
  • Understanding the underlying causes and risk factors
  • Documenting the severity and extent of the infection

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the location of the infection
  • Lack of evidence for acute versus chronic classification
  • Inconsistent coding of related procedures

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on the patient's history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with localized pain and swelling in the ankle or foot, often following a recent infection or trauma.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all imaging and lab results are documented to support the diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of the patient's medical history, risk factors for infection, and results of microbiological tests.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with systemic symptoms such as fever and chills, alongside localized symptoms in the foot or ankle.

Billing Considerations

Document the specific organism identified and the antibiotic susceptibility profile.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M86.071 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, M86
  • 071 should be used when the documentation clearly indicates acute hematogenous osteomyelitis localized to the right ankle and foot
  • Coders must ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical findings and imaging studies

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M86.071 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 aspiration of the infected joint is necessary for diagnosis or treatment.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure and the findings from the aspiration.

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 conditions like acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 symptoms of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis?

Common symptoms include localized pain, swelling, redness, fever, and sometimes systemic symptoms like chills.

How is acute hematogenous osteomyelitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies (like MRI or X-ray), and laboratory tests to identify the causative organism.