M86.339
BillableChronic multifocal osteomyelitis, unspecified radius and ulna
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 chronic bone infection affecting multiple areas of the forearm bones (radius and ulna) when the specific side (left or right) is not documented or specified.
Coding Tips
- •Use this code only when laterality cannot be determined from the medical record
- •Query the provider if laterality is missing, as more specific codes are preferred
Clinical Significance
This diagnosis indicates chronic multifocal osteomyelitis affecting the radius and ulna when laterality is not specified, representing a significant infectious disease requiring long-term management. The condition poses risks for functional impairment and potential systemic complications if inadequately treated.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of radius and ulna involvement (both bones)
- ✓Evidence of chronic infection (>6 weeks duration or recurrent)
- ✓Confirmation of multifocal pattern within affected bones
- ✓Radiological findings consistent with chronic osteomyelitis
- ✓Clinical symptoms (bone pain, swelling, decreased function)
- ✓Laboratory evidence (inflammatory markers, culture results when available)
- ✓Treatment documentation (antibiotic regimens, surgical history)
- ✓Absence of specific laterality documentation in the medical record
Commonly Confused Codes
M86.331/332 — Same condition but with specified laterality (right/left)M86.139 — Acute osteomyelitis of unspecified radius and ulna, acute vs chronicM86.439 — Chronic osteomyelitis with draining sinus, includes drainageM86.539 — Other chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis, different etiologyM86.9 — Unspecified osteomyelitis, lacks chronic multifocal specificity
Code Hierarchy
└M86Osteomyelitis└M86.3Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis└M86.33Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, radius and ulna└M86.339Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, unspecified radius and ulna
└M86.339Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, unspecified radius and ulna