ICD-10 Coding for Osteomyelitis Left Foot(M86.072, M86.672)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Osteomyelitis Left Foot. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Osteomyelitis Left Foot
M86.0-M86.9Primary Range
Osteomyelitis
This range includes all types of osteomyelitis, specifying acute, chronic, and subtypes based on etiology and chronicity.
Bacterial and viral infectious agents
These codes are used to identify the causative organism in osteomyelitis cases.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M86.072 | Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, left ankle and foot | Use when acute infection is confirmed by clinical and imaging findings. |
|
| M86.672 | Chronic osteomyelitis with draining sinus, left ankle and foot | Use for chronic infections with evidence of sinus tract or sequestrum. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for osteomyelitis left foot
Essential facts and insights about Osteomyelitis Left Foot
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for osteomyelitis left foot
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of acute symptoms and positive imaging findings
Applicable To
- Acute bone infection of left foot
Excludes
- Chronic osteomyelitis (M86.672)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Fever, elevated CRP/ESR, positive blood cultures, MRI showing medullary involvement
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification as chronic if duration is not specified
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies acute nature and laterality.
M86.672 - Chronic osteomyelitis with draining sinus, left ankle and foot
Use for chronic infections with evidence of sinus tract or sequestrum.
Applicable To
- Chronic bone infection of left foot
Excludes
- Acute osteomyelitis (M86.072)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Symptoms persisting for more than 6 weeks, sequestrum on imaging
Coding Notes
Document chronicity and presence of sinus tract.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
B95.61Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Osteomyelitis Left Foot to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M86.072.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate treatment plans, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials
Mitigation Strategy
Always include culture results, Use standardized documentation templates
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit failure., Data Quality: Reduces specificity in health records.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify laterality and chronicity in documentation.
Impact
Using unspecified codes increases audit risk.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports specific coding.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Osteomyelitis Left Foot, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Osteomyelitis Left Foot
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Osteomyelitis Left Foot. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic osteomyelitis in diabetic patient
Specialty: PodiatryRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Physical examination findings
- Imaging results
- Laboratory tests
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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