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M86.172
ICD-10-CM
Osteomyelitis of the Left Toe

Learn about osteomyelitis of the left toe, including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes (M86.672), diagnosis, treatment, and healthcare guidelines. Find information on left foot osteomyelitis, bone infection, and related conditions for accurate medical recordkeeping and coding compliance. This resource provides comprehensive insights for healthcare professionals, coders, and clinicians dealing with osteomyelitis of the left toe.

Also known as

Bone Infection Left Toe
Left Toe Osteomyelitis

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Bone infection, often bacterial, causing inflammation and pain.
  • Clinical Signs : Swelling, redness, warmth, tenderness, limited movement, fever.
  • Common Settings : Foot injuries, diabetic foot ulcers, post-surgical infections.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M86.172 Coding
M86.67-

Osteomyelitis of left toe

Infection of the bone in the left toe.

M86.-

Osteomyelitis

Bone infection, excluding classifications like vertebrae.

M70-M79

Soft tissue disorders

Disorders affecting muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues around bones.

L00-L99

Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue

Skin infections or conditions that might contribute to or be associated with osteomyelitis.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the osteomyelitis acute?

  • Yes

    With Staphylococcus aureus?

  • No

    Is it chronic?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left Toe Osteomyelitis
Left Toe Cellulitis
Left Toe Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Left toe osteomyelitis: confirmed diagnosis
  • Document laterality, specific toe affected
  • Evidence of infection: signs, symptoms, labs
  • Imaging results supporting osteomyelitis
  • ICD-10-CM code: M86.672 Osteomyelitis left toe

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding for osteomyelitis without specifying left toe can lead to inaccurate reimbursement and data analysis. Use ICD-10 codes that specify the left side.

  • Missing Acute/Chronic

    Failing to document and code the condition as acute or chronic osteomyelitis affects severity coding and treatment implications. Ensure proper documentation.

  • Causative Organism

    If known, the causative organism should be coded for accurate tracking and analysis of osteomyelitis cases. Review microbiology reports and link them to the diagnosis.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document S. aureus cultures for ICD-10-CM M86.671 accurate coding.
  • Specific laterality (left toe) crucial for compliant billing and CDI.
  • Image findings (X-ray, MRI) support osteomyelitis diagnosis, improve CDI.
  • Thorough H&P strengthens medical necessity for procedures, ensures compliance.
  • Query physician for clarity if documentation lacks specificity for left toe.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify left toe pain, swelling, redness documented
  • Confirm imaging (X-ray, MRI) supports osteomyelitis
  • Check labs for elevated WBC, ESR, CRP markers
  • Document positive bone biopsy or culture if available
  • Rule out other diagnoses (gout, cellulitis, fracture)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Reimbursement and Quality Metrics Impact Summary: Osteomyelitis of the Left Toe
  • ICD-10-CM M86.671: accurate coding maximizes reimbursement for left toe osteomyelitis
  • Coding validation and physician queries improve CDI and risk adjustment accuracy
  • Timely and accurate documentation impacts hospital MS-DRG assignment and payment
  • Tracking osteomyelitis treatment outcomes enhances quality reporting and value-based care

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Left toe osteomyelitis: Code M86.672
  • Document infection source, if known
  • Specify acute/chronic osteomyelitis
  • Confirm diagnosis with imaging/lab results
  • Query physician for clarity if needed

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with osteomyelitis of the left toe.  Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected toe.  Onset of symptoms began approximately [duration] ago and has progressively worsened.  Patient reports [pain characteristics, e.g., throbbing, constant, intermittent] pain, rated [pain scale rating] on a scale of 0-10.  Limited range of motion and tenderness to palpation are noted in the left toe.  Patient denies any recent trauma or open wounds to the area.  Medical history significant for [relevant comorbidities, e.g., diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, immunosuppression].  Differential diagnosis includes cellulitis, gout, and septic arthritis.  Laboratory tests ordered include complete blood count with differential, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and blood cultures.  Radiographic imaging, including X-ray and potentially MRI of the left foot, is scheduled to assess for bone involvement and confirm the diagnosis of osteomyelitis.  Initial treatment plan includes [treatment options, e.g., intravenous antibiotics, oral antibiotics, pain management with NSAIDs or opioids, surgical debridement if indicated].  Patient education provided regarding medication administration, wound care if applicable, and follow-up appointments.  Prognosis depends on the severity of infection, patient comorbidities, and response to treatment.  Close monitoring and follow-up are essential to assess treatment efficacy and prevent complications.
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