M46.24
BillableOsteomyelitis of vertebra, thoracic region
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 92 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis
0.209V24HCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis
0.482ESRDHCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis
0.000What This Code Means
A bone infection affecting the vertebrae in the mid-back or thoracic region of the spine.
Coding Tips
- •Confirm the infection is localized to the thoracic vertebrae and not extending to adjacent regions
- •Document whether this is a primary infection or secondary to another condition such as tuberculosis or trauma
Clinical Significance
Thoracic vertebral osteomyelitis can lead to serious complications including paraplegia, respiratory compromise, and systemic sepsis. The thoracic location requires monitoring for spinal cord compression and potential impact on respiratory function.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of bone infection specifically in thoracic vertebrae
- ✓Clinical symptoms including chest/back pain and signs of infection
- ✓Imaging confirmation of thoracic vertebral osteomyelitis
- ✓Assessment of spinal cord compression and neurological function
- ✓Laboratory evidence including inflammatory markers and cultures
- ✓Evaluation of respiratory function if indicated
- ✓Documentation of antimicrobial therapy and duration
- ✓Monitoring for complications including abscess or neurological changes
Commonly Confused Codes
M4623 — Cervicothoracic osteomyelitis involves junction, not pure thoracicM4625 — Thoracolumbar osteomyelitis involves thoracic-lumbar junctionM46.34 — Thoracic disc infection affects disc space, not vertebral bodyM48.04 — Thoracic spinal stenosis is not infectious conditionJ86.9 — Thoracic empyema is pleural infection, not vertebral
Code Hierarchy
└M46Other inflammatory spondylopathies└M46.2Osteomyelitis of vertebra└M46.24Osteomyelitis of vertebra, thoracic region
└M46.24Osteomyelitis of vertebra, thoracic region