Facebook tracking pixelOsteomyelitis of the Toe - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation
M86.179
ICD-10-CM
Osteomyelitis of the Toe

Learn about osteomyelitis of the toe, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 codes (M86.67), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare best practices for diagnosis and treatment. This resource provides information for physicians, coders, and other healthcare professionals on accurately documenting and coding toe osteomyelitis, covering symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options. Find essential information for proper medical record keeping and accurate claims submission related to osteomyelitis in the toe.

Also known as

Toe Bone Infection
Infection of Toe Bone

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Bone infection, often bacterial, in the toe.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, swelling, redness, warmth, limited movement, fever.
  • Common Settings : Diabetes, foot injury, peripheral vascular disease, ingrown toenail.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M86.179 Coding
M86.67-

Osteomyelitis of toe

Infectious inflammation of the bone in a toe.

M86.0-

Osteomyelitis of other bones

Infectious inflammation of bones excluding specific sites like the toe.

M71.0-

Other osteopathies

Non-inflammatory bone diseases which might coexist with osteomyelitis.

G00-G99

Diseases of the nervous system

Neuropathic complications that sometimes contribute to 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

    Site specified?

  • No

    Is it chronic?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Osteomyelitis of toe
Cellulitis of toe
Septic arthritis of toe

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document confirmed diagnosis: Osteomyelitis of toe
  • Specify affected toe (e.g., right great toe)
  • Record evidence of infection (e.g., MRI, culture)
  • Document symptom onset, duration, characteristics
  • Note any related conditions or contributing factors

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Site

    Coding osteomyelitis of the toe without specifying affected toe (right/left, which toe) leads to claim rejections and inaccurate data.

  • Missing Etiology

    Failing to document and code the underlying cause (e.g., diabetic foot ulcer, trauma) impacts DRG assignment and reimbursement.

  • Acute vs. Chronic

    Incorrectly coding acute or chronic osteomyelitis affects severity reflection, quality reporting, and proper treatment plans.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document thorough H&P, including risk factors (ICD-10-CM M86.0-M86.9).
  • Order imaging studies (X-ray, MRI, bone scan) for accurate diagnosis (CPT 73600-73630).
  • Obtain bone biopsy/culture for pathogen identification (CPT 88160-88162) & antibiotic guidance.
  • Consult infectious disease specialist, podiatrist for co-management (CPT 99241-99245).
  • Monitor treatment response, adjust antibiotics based on culture sensitivity (CPT 87085, 87086).

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm probe-to-bone test or ulcer to bone (ICD-10 L08.8, M86.60) documented.
  • Verify positive imaging study (X-ray, MRI, bone scan) for osteomyelitis (M86.67).
  • Check labs: Elevated ESR, CRP, WBC. Document infection markers (SNOMED CT 75483001).
  • Assess for risk factors: Diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy (E11.40, I73.9, G62.9).

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Osteomyelitis Toe reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 (M86.6-) and CPT coding for debridement, surgery, or antibiotic treatment. Impacts:
  • Higher CMI with proper POA indicator, surgical approach, and infection documentation.
  • Reduced denials by linking diagnosis to procedures and justifying extended LOS.
  • Improved quality scores by tracking infection control, antibiotic stewardship, and patient outcomes.

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
  • Code M86.67x for toe osteomyelitis
  • Specify laterality: left/right toe
  • Document infection source/type
  • Consider chronic/acute status codes
  • Query physician if unclear

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of osteomyelitis of the toe.  Chief complaint includes toe pain, swelling, redness, and warmth, possibly accompanied by fever, chills, or drainage.  Onset of symptoms is documented as gradual or acute, with duration of  (duration).  The affected toe is (specify toe and laterality).  Physical examination reveals (describe findings, e.g., tenderness to palpation, erythema, edema, fluctuance, limited range of motion).  Differential diagnosis includes cellulitis, gout, septic arthritis, and diabetic foot infection.  Medical history is significant for (list relevant comorbidities, e.g., diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, immunocompromised state).  Surgical history, social history (including tobacco use, IV drug use), and allergies are noted.  Laboratory studies ordered include complete blood count with differential, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and blood cultures.  Imaging studies, such as plain radiographs, MRI, or bone scan, may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of osteomyelitis and assess the extent of bone involvement.  Preliminary diagnosis is osteomyelitis of the toe.  Treatment plan includes antibiotic therapy with (specify antibiotic and route of administration), pain management with (specify medication), and elevation of the affected extremity.  Patient education provided on wound care, medication adherence, and follow-up appointments.  Referral to a specialist, such as an infectious disease physician, podiatrist, or orthopedic surgeon, may be considered based on clinical presentation and response to initial treatment.  The patient's condition and treatment plan will be closely monitored.