M86.079
BillableAcute hematogenous osteomyelitis, unspecified 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 ankle or foot that develops suddenly, typically spreading through the bloodstream, when the specific side (left or right) is not documented.
Coding Tips
- •Use this code only when laterality cannot be determined from documentation
- •Query provider if laterality is clinically relevant but not documented
Clinical Significance
Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of unspecified ankle and foot represents a bloodstream-originated bone infection where laterality documentation is unavailable or unclear. This serious condition requires prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent progression to chronic infection, joint destruction, or systemic complications affecting patient mobility.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Clear documentation of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis
- ✓Identification of ankle and/or foot bone involvement
- ✓Documentation that laterality is unspecified or unknown
- ✓Clinical evidence of bone infection with associated symptoms
- ✓Imaging findings consistent with osteomyelitis
- ✓Laboratory confirmation of infectious process
- ✓Blood culture results when available
- ✓Assessment of functional impairment and treatment response
Commonly Confused Codes
Code Hierarchy
└M86Osteomyelitis└M86.0Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis└M86.07Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, ankle and foot└M86.079Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, unspecified ankle and foot
└M86.079Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, unspecified ankle and foot