M86.672

Billable

Other chronic osteomyelitis, left ankle and foot

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 92 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.209

V24HCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.482

ESRDHCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.000

What This Code Means

A chronic bone infection affecting the left ankle and foot bones that has persisted over time.

Coding Tips

•Confirm the infection is on the left side before using this code; do not use for right-sided infections
•Document any complications such as drainage, sinus tracts, or functional impairment related to the infection

Clinical Significance

Left ankle and foot chronic osteomyelitis represents a severe, persistent bone infection affecting complex weight-bearing structures essential for ambulation. This condition requires aggressive treatment approaches and carries significant risk for limb loss, chronic disability, and treatment-resistant infections due to limited vascular supply in distal extremities.

Documentation Requirements

✓Explicit chronic osteomyelitis diagnosis
✓Clear identification of left ankle and/or foot involvement
✓Documentation supporting chronic infection timeline
✓Radiological evidence of chronic bone changes
✓Microbiological data when cultures obtained
✓History of antibiotic treatment or surgical intervention
✓Functional assessment including ambulation status
✓Documentation of any associated vascular compromise

Commonly Confused Codes

M86.172 — Acute osteomyelitis of left ankle/foot lacks chronic component L03.115 — Cellulitis of left foot involves soft tissue only M87.075 — Aseptic necrosis of left foot represents bone death without infection M79.673 — Pain in left foot and ankle doesn't indicate bone infection

Code Hierarchy

└M86Osteomyelitis └M86.6Other chronic osteomyelitis └M86.67Other chronic osteomyelitis, ankle and foot └M86.672Other chronic osteomyelitis, left ankle and foot

└M86.672Other chronic osteomyelitis, left ankle and foot