M86.052

Billable

Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, left femur

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 bone infection in the left thighbone (femur) caused by bacteria spreading through the bloodstream.

Coding Tips

•Confirm 'left' femur is documented to distinguish from M86.051
•Large bone infections like femoral osteomyelitis often require hospitalization and IV antibiotics

Clinical Significance

Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of the left femur represents a serious bone infection requiring immediate intervention to prevent sepsis, chronic infection, or bone destruction. The femoral location poses particular risks due to proximity to major blood vessels and potential for pathologic fracture.

Documentation Requirements

✓Confirmed diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis affecting left femur
✓Evidence of bloodstream origin of infection
✓Positive cultures identifying causative organism
✓Advanced imaging demonstrating acute bone infection
✓Documentation of symptom duration less than 2 weeks
✓IV antibiotic therapy regimen and response
✓Surgical debridement or drainage if performed

Commonly Confused Codes

M86.051 — Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis right femur (different laterality)M86.152 — Other acute osteomyelitis left femur (use when not hematogenous)M86.652 — Other chronic osteomyelitis left femur (use for chronic phase)M86.9 — Osteomyelitis unspecified (use when location or type not specified)

Code Hierarchy

└M86Osteomyelitis └M86.0Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis └M86.05Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, femur └M86.052Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, left femur

└M86.052Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, left femur