ICD-10 Coding for Septic Arthritis(M00.0, M00.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Septic Arthritis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Septic Arthritis
M00-M02Primary Range
Arthropathies associated with infections
This range includes codes for septic arthritis caused by various organisms.
Bacterial and viral infectious agents
These codes are used to identify the causative organism in cases of septic arthritis.
Severe sepsis and septic shock
Used when septic arthritis leads to severe sepsis or septic shock.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M00.0 | Staphylococcal arthritis and polyarthritis | Use when Staphylococcus is confirmed as the causative organism. |
|
| M00.9 | Pyogenic arthritis, unspecified | Use when the causative organism is not identified. |
|
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 septic arthritis
Essential facts and insights about Septic Arthritis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for septic arthritis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Positive culture for Staphylococcus
documentation Criteria
- Detailed joint examination and culture results
Applicable To
- Staphylococcal arthritis
- Staphylococcal polyarthritis
Excludes
- Postinfective arthritis (M02.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive synovial fluid culture for Staphylococcus
- Synovial WBC >50,000/mm³ with >90% PMNs
Code-Specific Risks
- Misidentifying the organism can lead to incorrect coding.
Coding Notes
- Ensure organism identification is documented.
M00.9 - Pyogenic arthritis, unspecified
Use when the causative organism is not identified.
Applicable To
- Unspecified bacterial arthritis
Excludes
- Postinfective arthritis (M02.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Clinical diagnosis of septic arthritis without organism identification
- Synovial WBC >50,000/mm³
Coding Notes
Update code once organism is identified.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Staphylococcus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
B95.6Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Septic Arthritis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M00.0.
Impact
Clinical: May affect treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding updates., Financial: Potential reimbursement issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Regularly review culture results., Update codes promptly.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on infection types.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific codes like M00.0 when the organism is identified.
Impact
Failure to document the causative organism can lead to audit issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all culture results are documented and codes updated.
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 Septic Arthritis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Septic Arthritis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Septic Arthritis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute septic arthritis in the emergency department
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Joint pain onset and duration
- Physical examination findings
- Laboratory results
- Imaging studies
- Culture results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Septic Arthritis? Ask your questions below.