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M86.672
ICD-10-CM
Osteomyelitis of the Left Foot

Learn about accurate clinical documentation and medical coding for Osteomyelitis of the left foot. Find information on ICD-10 codes, diagnosis criteria, treatment options, and healthcare guidelines related to left foot Osteomyelitis. This resource provides support for medical professionals seeking information on diagnosing and documenting Osteomyelitis in the left foot, ensuring proper coding and reimbursement. Explore relevant medical terminology, clinical findings, and best practices for managing this condition.

Also known as

Bone infection of the left foot
Left foot osteomyelitis

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Bone infection, often bacterial, causing inflammation and pain.
  • Clinical Signs : Foot pain, swelling, redness, warmth, fever, limited mobility.
  • Common Settings : Diabetes, foot ulcers, trauma, recent surgery, weakened immune system.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M86.672 Coding
M86.67-

Osteomyelitis of left foot

Infection of the bone in the left foot.

M86.0-

Acute osteomyelitis

New bone infection, possibly in the left foot.

M86.1-

Chronic osteomyelitis

Long-lasting bone infection, possibly in the left foot.

M86.8-

Other osteomyelitis

Bone infection not otherwise specified, could be in left foot.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the osteomyelitis acute?

  • Yes

    Site specified?

  • No

    Is it chronic multifocal?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Osteomyelitis, left foot
Cellulitis, left foot
Diabetic foot ulcer, left

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Left foot osteomyelitis: confirmed via...
  • Document infection source, if known.
  • Specify acute or chronic osteomyelitis.
  • Detail bone(s) involved (e.g., metatarsal).
  • Document signs/symptoms (e.g., pain, swelling).

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding left foot osteomyelitis without specifying laterality (e.g., using only M86.6) can lead to claim rejections and inaccurate data.

  • Missing Acute/Chronic

    Failing to distinguish between acute and chronic osteomyelitis (M86.0, M86.6x) impacts reimbursement and quality reporting.

  • Causative Organism

    Not documenting and coding the causative organism when known (e.g., staphylococcal osteomyelitis) affects severity and treatment tracking.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document S. aureus, other pathogens, or specify if unspecified for accurate ICD-10 coding (M86.172).
  • Clearly document infection location, laterality, acute/chronic status for proper CPT code assignment.
  • For diabetic foot osteomyelitis (ICD-10 E11.52), detail ulcer location & A1C levels for risk adjustment.
  • Ensure CDI query clarity on bone involvement diagnostic confirmation (e.g., MRI, bone biopsy) for M86.172.
  • Comply with sepsis guidelines by documenting suspected osteomyelitis symptoms (e.g., fever, pain) promptly.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify left foot pain, swelling, redness documented
  • Confirm fever, chills, or other systemic infection signs
  • Check WBC, ESR, CRP for inflammatory markers
  • Verify imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT) ordered and reviewed
  • Document positive bone biopsy or culture if available

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Osteomyelitis Left Foot reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 (M86.67-) and CPT coding for debridement, surgery, or antibiotics.
  • Coding errors impact DRG assignment, affecting hospital reimbursement for Left Foot Osteomyelitis care.
  • Quality metrics like infection control, readmission rates, and patient-reported outcomes are crucial for Left Foot Osteomyelitis.
  • Accurate documentation and coding maximize reimbursement and reflect quality of care for Left Foot Osteomyelitis patients.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Left foot osteomyelitis: Code M86.672
  • Document infection source, type
  • Confirm diagnosis with imaging
  • Specify acute/chronic osteomyelitis
  • Consider coding for any sequelae

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with osteomyelitis of the left foot.  Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area.  Onset of symptoms began approximately [duration] ago and has progressively worsened.  Patient reports [presence or absence] of fever, chills, and malaise.  Medical history significant for [relevant comorbidities, e.g., diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, recent trauma, immunocompromised state].  Physical examination reveals [objective findings, e.g., tenderness to palpation, erythema, edema, limited range of motion, purulent drainage].  Differential diagnosis includes cellulitis, gout, septic arthritis, and stress fracture.  Preliminary diagnosis of osteomyelitis left foot is suspected.  Ordered laboratory tests including complete blood count (CBC) with differential, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and blood cultures to assess for infection and inflammatory markers.  Imaging studies including X-ray, MRI, or bone scan of the left foot will be performed to evaluate bone involvement and confirm the diagnosis.  Treatment plan includes intravenous or oral antibiotic therapy based on culture sensitivities and severity of infection.  Surgical debridement may be considered if medical management is unsuccessful or if there is evidence of abscess formation.  Patient education provided regarding medication administration, wound care, and follow-up appointments.  Will reassess patient's condition and adjust treatment plan as necessary.  Diagnosis:  Osteomyelitis, left foot.  ICD-10 code:  [appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., M86.672].
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