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 CodesM46.28

M46.28

Billable

Osteomyelitis of vertebra, sacral and sacrococcygeal region

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M46.28 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteomyelitis of vertebra, sacral and sacrococcygeal region.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Osteomyelitis of the vertebra, sacral, and sacrococcygeal region is an infection of the bone that can lead to significant morbidity if not diagnosed and treated promptly. This condition often arises from hematogenous spread, direct extension from adjacent infections, or post-surgical complications. Patients may present with localized pain, fever, and neurological deficits depending on the extent of the infection and involvement of surrounding structures. Imaging studies, including MRI and CT scans, are critical for diagnosis, revealing bone edema, abscess formation, and changes in the vertebral body. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics and, in some cases, surgical intervention to debride infected tissue. Chronic osteomyelitis can lead to complications such as spinal instability, deformity, and persistent pain, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach for management. The condition is particularly relevant in patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes, immunosuppression, or those undergoing invasive spinal procedures.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic osteomyelitis
  • Identifying the underlying cause of the infection
  • Documenting associated conditions such as diabetes or immunosuppression
  • Understanding the implications of imaging findings

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the infection's origin
  • Failure to specify acute vs. chronic osteomyelitis
  • Lack of imaging reports to support diagnosis
  • Inconsistent coding of co-existing conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed surgical notes, imaging studies, and post-operative follow-up documentation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-operative infections following spinal surgery, trauma-related osteomyelitis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the surgical procedure and any complications that arise.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history of infection, laboratory results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with systemic infections leading to osteomyelitis, chronic infections requiring long-term management.

Billing Considerations

Document the patient's immune status and any underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M46.28 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the infection's location and any associated conditions
  • Include details about the duration of symptoms and any prior treatments

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M46.28 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 in conjunction with osteomyelitis treatment.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for aspiration and any findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic documentation should include details of joint involvement.

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. M46.28 provides a clear distinction for osteomyelitis in the vertebra and sacral regions, which was less specific in ICD-9.

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. M46.28 provides a clear distinction for osteomyelitis in the vertebra and sacral regions, which was less specific in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. M46.28 provides a clear distinction for osteomyelitis in the vertebra and sacral regions, which was less specific in ICD-9.

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 osteomyelitis in the vertebra?

Common causes include hematogenous spread from distant infections, direct extension from adjacent infections, and post-surgical complications. Conditions like diabetes and immunosuppression can increase the risk.