M86.379
BillableChronic multifocal osteomyelitis, unspecified ankle and foot
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 ankle and foot when the specific side (left or right) is not specified in the medical record.
Coding Tips
- •This is a default code when laterality is unspecified; attempt to clarify with provider
- •Review imaging reports and clinical notes for any laterality clues
Clinical Significance
Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis of unspecified ankle and foot indicates a severe bone infection affecting weight-bearing structures without documented laterality, representing significant risk for mobility impairment. This condition requires comprehensive treatment due to the critical role of foot/ankle in ambulation.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of ankle and foot involvement without laterality
- ✓Evidence of chronic infection (>6 weeks duration or recurrent)
- ✓Confirmation of multifocal pattern in ankle/foot bones
- ✓Imaging findings consistent with chronic osteomyelitis
- ✓Assessment of functional impact on weight-bearing
- ✓Laboratory evidence supporting chronic infectious process
- ✓Treatment documentation and response patterns
- ✓Absence of clear laterality specification in record
Commonly Confused Codes
M86.371/372 — Same condition with specified laterality (right/left)M86.179 — Acute osteomyelitis of unspecified ankle and footM86.479 — Chronic osteomyelitis with draining sinus, includes drainageM86.579 — Other chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis, different typeM25.579 — Pain in unspecified ankle and joints of foot, non-infectious
Code Hierarchy
└M86Osteomyelitis└M86.3Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis└M86.37Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, ankle and foot└M86.379Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, unspecified ankle and foot
└M86.379Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, unspecified ankle and foot