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ICD-10 Coding for Osteomyelitis of Foot(M86.07, E11.69)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Osteomyelitis of Foot. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Bone Infection of FootFoot Osteomyelitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Osteomyelitis of Foot

M86.0-M86.9Primary Range

Osteomyelitis

This range includes all types of osteomyelitis, with specific codes for the foot.

Bacterial and viral infectious agents

Used to identify the causative organism in osteomyelitis cases.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with other specified complications

Used when osteomyelitis is documented as a complication of diabetes.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M86.07Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, ankle and footUse when acute hematogenous osteomyelitis is confirmed in the foot.
  • MRI showing bone marrow edema
  • Positive bone biopsy culture
E11.69Type 2 diabetes mellitus with other specified complicationUse when osteomyelitis is documented as a complication of diabetes.
  • Documentation linking diabetes to osteomyelitis

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 of foot

Essential facts and insights about Osteomyelitis of Foot

The ICD-10 code for acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of the foot is M86.07. For chronic cases, use M86.37.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for osteomyelitis of foot

Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, ankle and foot
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Acute symptoms and positive imaging findings

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis

Applicable To

  • Acute osteomyelitis of the foot

Excludes

  • Chronic osteomyelitis (M86.3-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing bone marrow edema
  • Positive bone biopsy culture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as chronic if not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality and type are documented to avoid unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.61
Use when Staphylococcus aureus is identified as the causative organism.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, ankle and foot

M86.37
Chronic cases with recurrent symptoms and sinus tract formation.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications

E11.9
No documented complications related to diabetes.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Osteomyelitis of Foot to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M86.07.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment targeting, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure culture results are documented, Include organism codes when applicable

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit failures., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies laterality and type of osteomyelitis.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing affects DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient conditions.

Mitigation Strategy

Query the provider to confirm the relationship between diabetes and osteomyelitis.

Impact

Failure to document the causal relationship can lead to incorrect DRG assignment.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly states the relationship between diabetes and osteomyelitis.

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 of Foot, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Osteomyelitis of Foot

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Osteomyelitis of Foot. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute osteomyelitis in diabetic patient

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Imaging results
  • Lab findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 3-week history of a non-healing ulcer on the right foot. MRI confirms acute osteomyelitis. Treatment includes IV antibiotics and surgical debridement.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has foot infection.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has acute osteomyelitis of the right foot confirmed by MRI, secondary to diabetes.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type, site, and causal relationship, allowing for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Osteomyelitis of Foot? Ask your questions below.

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