M46.39

Billable

Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic), multiple sites in spine

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 92 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.209

V24HCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.482

ESRDHCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.000

What This Code Means

A bacterial infection affecting multiple intervertebral discs at different levels throughout the spine.

Coding Tips

•Use this code only when infection involves more than one spinal region
•Document all affected regions in the medical record for clarity

Clinical Significance

Multiple-site pyogenic discitis represents extensive spinal infection with significant morbidity and mortality risk. This pattern suggests hematogenous spread, immunocompromise, or particularly virulent organisms requiring aggressive systemic management and close monitoring.

Documentation Requirements

✓Documentation of multiple spinal levels involved
✓Specific levels affected when identifiable
✓Blood culture results and organism identification
✓Assessment for underlying immunocompromise
✓Systemic infection markers and trends
✓Neurological assessment at all affected levels
✓Response to systemic antibiotic therapy
✓Functional status and mobility limitations

Commonly Confused Codes

M46.30-M46.38 — Single-site infections when only one level documented M46.59 — Other infective spondylopathies, multiple sites when non-bacterial A41.9 — Sepsis when systemic infection is primary diagnosis M49.89 — Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere when secondary