M86.031

Billable

Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, right radius and ulna

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 serious bone infection of the right forearm bones (radius and ulna) caused by bacteria spreading through the bloodstream.

Coding Tips

•This code covers both the radius and ulna bones of the forearm as a combined site
•Ensure documentation specifies right forearm to distinguish from left side infection

Clinical Significance

Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of right radius and ulna represents serious bloodstream-spread infection to both forearm bones, creating complex management challenges due to dual bone involvement. This diagnosis indicates high risk for compartment syndrome, functional impairment, and chronic complications affecting wrist and elbow function.

Documentation Requirements

✓Documentation of acute osteomyelitis affecting right radius and ulna
✓Evidence of hematogenous spread to forearm bones
✓Clinical findings of right forearm swelling, pain, dysfunction
✓Imaging studies showing infection in both radius and ulna
✓Blood cultures and bone cultures when available
✓Treatment with IV antibiotics and possible surgical debridement
✓Assessment for compartment syndrome and neurovascular status

Commonly Confused Codes

M86032 — Left radius and ulna osteomyelitis M86131 — Other acute osteomyelitis, right radius and ulna S52.501A — Fracture of right radius, unspecified M00.831 — Other bacterial arthritis, right wrist T79.A11A — Compartment syndrome of right upper extremity

Code Hierarchy

└M86Osteomyelitis └M86.0Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis └M86.03Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, radius and ulna └M86.031Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, right radius and ulna

└M86.031Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, right radius and ulna