M86.159
BillableOther acute osteomyelitis, unspecified femur
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 thighbone that develops rapidly, but the specific side (left or right) is not documented.
Coding Tips
- •Verify documentation to determine if laterality (left/right) can be specified for more precise coding
- •Confirm this is acute osteomyelitis and not chronic or subacute to ensure correct code selection
Clinical Significance
Acute osteomyelitis of unspecified femur represents incomplete documentation of a serious large bone infection with significant implications for mobility and systemic health. The femur's size and weight-bearing function make laterality specification important for treatment planning and prognosis.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of femur bone infection without laterality
- ✓Evidence of acute infection onset in thighbone
- ✓Clinical presentation of large bone osteomyelitis
- ✓Imaging confirmation of femoral involvement
- ✓Laboratory support for active bone infection
- ✓Provider query for laterality when possible
- ✓Assessment of mobility and weight-bearing impact
- ✓Comprehensive treatment plan documentation
Commonly Confused Codes
M86119 — Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of unspecified femurM86659 — Chronic osteomyelitis with draining sinus of unspecified femurM86259 — Subacute osteomyelitis of unspecified femurM86151/152 — Right/left specific codes when laterality availableS72.009A — Fracture of unspecified part of neck of unspecified femur
Code Hierarchy
└M86Osteomyelitis└M86.1Other acute osteomyelitis└M86.15Other acute osteomyelitis, femur└M86.159Other acute osteomyelitis, unspecified femur
└M86.159Other acute osteomyelitis, unspecified femur