M86.071
BillableAcute hematogenous osteomyelitis, right ankle and foot
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 bacterial bone infection in the right ankle or foot that develops suddenly, typically spreading through the bloodstream from another infection site in the body.
Coding Tips
- •Verify laterality is documented as right; if not specified, use M86.079 instead
- •Confirm the infection is acute hematogenous type (blood-borne) rather than other osteomyelitis types
Clinical Significance
Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of the right ankle and foot represents a serious bloodstream-originated infection that can rapidly progress to joint destruction, chronic infection, or systemic complications. The complex anatomy of the foot requires aggressive treatment to preserve function and prevent long-term disability.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Clear documentation of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis
- ✓Specific identification of right ankle and/or foot bone involvement
- ✓Clinical presentation with pain, swelling, erythema, and possible fever
- ✓Imaging studies confirming bone infection in ankle/foot structures
- ✓Laboratory evidence of active bacterial infection
- ✓Blood cultures and organism identification when possible
- ✓Assessment of weight-bearing ability and gait disturbance
- ✓Documentation of antibiotic therapy regimen and response
Commonly Confused Codes
M86.072 — Use for left ankle and foot involvementM86.079 — Use when laterality of ankle/foot is unspecifiedM86.171 — Use for non-hematogenous acute osteomyelitis of right ankle/footM86.671 — Use for chronic osteomyelitis of right ankle/footM25.571 — Use for ankle/foot pain without documented infection
Code Hierarchy
└M86Osteomyelitis└M86.0Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis└M86.07Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, ankle and foot└M86.071Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, right ankle and foot
└M86.071Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, right ankle and foot