M86.359
BillableChronic multifocal 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 chronic bone infection affecting multiple areas of the thighbone (femur) when the specific side (left or right) is not documented or specified.
Coding Tips
- •Query the provider for laterality documentation to assign a more specific code
- •Use this code only when laterality cannot be determined despite review efforts
Clinical Significance
Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis of an unspecified femur indicates a severe bone infection affecting the thighbone without documented laterality, representing significant risk for mobility impairment and complications. This condition requires intensive medical management and careful monitoring for progression.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of femur involvement without laterality specification
- ✓Evidence of chronic infection (>6 weeks duration or recurrent)
- ✓Confirmation of multifocal pattern within the femur
- ✓Imaging findings consistent with chronic osteomyelitis
- ✓Assessment of functional impact on mobility
- ✓Laboratory evidence supporting chronic infectious process
- ✓Treatment documentation and response patterns
- ✓Absence of clear laterality information in medical record
Commonly Confused Codes
M86.351/352 — Same condition with specified laterality (right/left)M86.159 — Acute osteomyelitis of unspecified femur, acute vs chronicM86.459 — Chronic osteomyelitis with draining sinus of unspecified femurM86.559 — Other chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis of unspecified femurM87.059 — Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of unspecified femur, non-infectious
Code Hierarchy
└M86Osteomyelitis└M86.3Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis└M86.35Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, femur└M86.359Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, unspecified femur
└M86.359Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, unspecified femur