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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesSacral Osteomyelitis

Sacral Osteomyelitis

ICD-10 Coding for Sacral Osteomyelitis(M46.28)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYOrthopedic Surgery
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Sacral Osteomyelitis?
Essential facts and insights about Sacral Osteomyelitis

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Localized pain in the sacral region
  • Fever and systemic signs of infection
  • Possible neurological deficits if nerve roots are involved

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history including onset and duration of symptoms
  • Results of imaging studies (MRI, CT scans) showing bone involvement
  • Laboratory results indicating infection (e.g., elevated ESR, CRP, positive cultures)

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Usage guidelines: Use M86.0 for sacral osteomyelitis; consider additional codes for complications.
  • Common errors: Misclassifying osteomyelitis as a soft tissue infection.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Excluded conditions: Non-infectious sacral pain syndromes.
  • Alternative codes: Consider M86.1 for osteomyelitis of other sites.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
M86.0
Osteomyelitis of the sacrum
Ancillary Codes
B95.61
L89.154
Differential Codes
M86.07
M46.3

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Orthopedic Surgery

Specialty Applications

  • Patient populations: Individuals with diabetes, immunocompromised patients, or those with recent surgeries.
  • Clinical settings: Emergency departments, orthopedic clinics, and inpatient settings.

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements?

Include detailed patient history, imaging results, and lab findings.

Billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding to reflect the severity and complexity of the condition.