M86.069
BillableAcute hematogenous osteomyelitis, unspecified tibia and fibula
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 in the shin bones (tibia and fibula) caused by bacteria spreading through the bloodstream, but the specific side is not documented.
Coding Tips
- •Use only when laterality cannot be determined from medical record
- •Attempt to clarify which leg is affected to ensure proper coding specificity
Clinical Significance
Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of unspecified tibia and fibula represents a bloodstream-disseminated bone infection where laterality cannot be determined from documentation. This condition requires immediate antibiotic intervention and careful monitoring to prevent complications such as sepsis, bone necrosis, or progression to chronic osteomyelitis.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis
- ✓Identification of tibia and/or fibula involvement without laterality specification
- ✓Clinical evidence of bone infection with systemic symptoms
- ✓Imaging confirmation of osteomyelitis in lower leg bones
- ✓Laboratory markers indicating active infection
- ✓Explicit documentation that laterality is unknown or unspecified
- ✓Blood culture and sensitivity results when obtainable
- ✓Assessment of weight-bearing capacity and functional status
Commonly Confused Codes
Code Hierarchy
└M86Osteomyelitis└M86.0Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis└M86.06Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, tibia and fibula└M86.069Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, unspecified tibia and fibula
└M86.069Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, unspecified tibia and fibula