ICD-10 Coding for History of Osteomyelitis(Z87.318, M86.8X8)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Osteomyelitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to History of Osteomyelitis
M86Primary Range
Osteomyelitis
This range includes all types of osteomyelitis, including acute, subacute, and chronic forms.
Personal history of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
Used for documenting a history of osteomyelitis when the condition is resolved and not currently active.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z87.318 | Personal history of other musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases | Use when documenting a resolved case of osteomyelitis with no ongoing treatment. |
|
| M86.8X8 | Other osteomyelitis, other site | Use for active or chronic osteomyelitis cases requiring treatment. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for history of osteomyelitis
Essential facts and insights about History of Osteomyelitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of osteomyelitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- No active treatment or signs of infection
Applicable To
- History of resolved osteomyelitis
Excludes
- Active osteomyelitis (M86.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- No current signs of infection
- Resolved osteomyelitis with no active treatment
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly using this code for active osteomyelitis cases.
Coding Notes
- Ensure the condition is fully resolved before using this code.
M86.8X8 - Other osteomyelitis, other site
Use for active or chronic osteomyelitis cases requiring treatment.
Applicable To
- Chronic osteomyelitis
Excludes
- Resolved osteomyelitis (Z87.318)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Ongoing treatment such as antibiotics
- Imaging showing active infection
Coding Notes
Ensure active infection is documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Infectious agents
B95-B97Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Osteomyelitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z87.318.
Impact
Clinical: May affect treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document causality explicitly.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces the specificity and accuracy of health records.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify the site and type of osteomyelitis.
Impact
Using unspecified codes can trigger audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation and specific coding.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for History of Osteomyelitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for History of Osteomyelitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for History of Osteomyelitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic Osteomyelitis Follow-up
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- History of osteomyelitis
- Current symptoms
- Exam findings
- Imaging results
- Lab results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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