M86.262
BillableSubacute osteomyelitis, left 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 left shin bone and smaller bone of the lower leg that develops gradually over weeks to months.
Coding Tips
- •Verify left-sided location is explicitly documented
- •Document any associated swelling, drainage, or functional impairment
Clinical Significance
Subacute osteomyelitis of the left tibia and fibula is an intermediate-stage bone infection developing over weeks to months that significantly impacts patient mobility and quality of life. The involvement of both lower leg bones creates complex treatment challenges and increases risk of complications including chronic infection, growth abnormalities, and permanent functional impairment.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of subacute osteomyelitis affecting left tibia and fibula
- ✓Clinical evidence of infection developing over weeks to months
- ✓Specific left-sided involvement documented
- ✓Radiological confirmation of bone infection in tibia and/or fibula
- ✓Laboratory markers consistent with ongoing infection
- ✓Blood and/or bone culture results when available
- ✓Functional assessment including ambulation difficulties
- ✓Treatment response documentation and follow-up plans
Commonly Confused Codes
Code Hierarchy
└M86Osteomyelitis└M86.2Subacute osteomyelitis└M86.26Subacute osteomyelitis, tibia and fibula└M86.262Subacute osteomyelitis, left tibia and fibula
└M86.262Subacute osteomyelitis, left tibia and fibula