ICD-10 Coding for Osteomyelitis of the Left Foot(M86.072, M86.371)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Osteomyelitis of the 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 of the Left Foot
M86.0-M86.9Primary Range
Osteomyelitis
This range includes all types of osteomyelitis, specifying acute, chronic, and subacute conditions, as well as laterality.
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 of left ankle and foot | Use for acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of the left foot with documented acute symptoms and positive lab findings. |
|
| M86.371 | Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis of left ankle and foot | Use for chronic osteomyelitis with documented chronic symptoms and imaging findings. |
|
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 left foot
Essential facts and insights about Osteomyelitis of the Left Foot
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for osteomyelitis of left foot
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of acute symptoms and positive blood culture
documentation Criteria
- Explicit mention of 'acute' and 'left foot'
Applicable To
- Acute osteomyelitis of the left foot
Excludes
- Chronic osteomyelitis (M86.371)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Fever >38°C
- Leukocytosis
- Symptom onset <2 weeks
- Positive blood culture
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification as chronic if duration is not specified
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies acute nature and laterality.
M86.371 - Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis of left ankle and foot
Use for chronic osteomyelitis with documented chronic symptoms and imaging findings.
Applicable To
- Chronic osteomyelitis of the left foot
Excludes
- Acute osteomyelitis (M86.072)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Recurrent infections >6 weeks
- Sinus tract formation
- Sequestrum on X-ray
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies chronic nature and laterality.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Staphylococcus aureus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
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 of the 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: May lead to incorrect treatment plans, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Financial: Potential for denied claims
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure provider documents the relationship explicitly
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Increases risk of audits, Data Quality: Decreases specificity of health records
Mitigation Strategy
Query provider to confirm affected side and use specific codes.
Impact
High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when specific codes are applicable.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies laterality and type of 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 the Left Foot, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Osteomyelitis of the Left Foot
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Osteomyelitis of the Left Foot. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute osteomyelitis in a diabetic patient
Specialty: PodiatryRequired Elements
- Location of infection
- Duration of symptoms
- Imaging findings
- Lab results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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