M86.369
BillableChronic multifocal osteomyelitis, unspecified 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 chronic bone infection affecting multiple areas of the shin bones when the specific side (left or right) is not documented or cannot be determined.
Coding Tips
- •Use this code only when laterality cannot be determined from documentation
- •Query the provider if laterality information is available elsewhere in the medical record
Clinical Significance
Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis of unspecified tibia and fibula indicates a severe infection affecting both lower leg bones without documented laterality, posing significant risks for mobility and function. This condition requires intensive management due to weight-bearing implications and potential complications.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of tibia and fibula involvement without laterality
- ✓Evidence of chronic infection (>6 weeks duration or recurrent)
- ✓Confirmation of multifocal involvement in both bones
- ✓Radiographic findings showing chronic osteomyelitic changes
- ✓Assessment of lower extremity function and mobility
- ✓Laboratory evidence of ongoing infectious process
- ✓Treatment documentation and response monitoring
- ✓Absence of laterality specification in medical record
Commonly Confused Codes
M86.361/362 — Same condition with specified laterality (right/left)M86.169 — Acute osteomyelitis of unspecified tibia and fibulaM86.469 — Chronic osteomyelitis with draining sinus, includes drainageM86.569 — Other chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis, different typeM79.609 — Pain in unspecified limb, non-infectious cause
Code Hierarchy
└M86Osteomyelitis└M86.3Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis└M86.36Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, tibia and fibula└M86.369Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, unspecified tibia and fibula
└M86.369Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, unspecified tibia and fibula