Osteomyelitis ICD-10-CM Codes
Read this short guide and learn about osteomyelitis ICD codes you can use.
Fact Checked by Nate Lacson.
What osteomyelitis ICD codes can I use?
There are numerous osteomyelitis ICD codes you can pick from. Just make sure you’re selecting one that’s specific to your patient. This is important because osteomyelitis can occur in different areas as it is an infection of the bone. Here are six examples of osteomyelitis ICD codes you can use:
- M46.22 - Osteomyelitis of vertebra, cervical region
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a person confirmed to have osteomyelitis of the vertebra, and the specifical location of the infection is the cervical region.
- M46.24 - Osteomyelitis of vertebra, thoracic region
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a person confirmed to have osteomyelitis of the vertebra, and the specific location of the infection is the thoracic region.
- M46.26 - Osteomyelitis of vertebra, lumbar region
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a person confirmed to have osteomyelitis of the vertebra, and the specific location of the infection is the lumbar region.
- A01.05 - Typhoid osteomyelitis
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a person confirmed to have osteomyelitis, and this osteomyelitis is the result of typhoid fever.
- A02.24 - Salmonella osteomyelitis
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a person confirmed to have osteomyelitis, and this osteomyelitis is caused by salmonella. This is a rare occurrence, and it can result from typhoid, which is also caused by salmonella.
- A54.43 - Gonococcal osteomyelitis
This ICD-10 code is meant to be used on a person confirmed to have osteomyelitis, and this osteomyelitis is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium, which is transmitted through Gonorrhea, an STD.
Which of these osteomyelitis ICD codes are billable?
All of the osteomyelitis-related ICD-10 codes we listed above are valid and billable.
Clinical information about osteomyelitis:
As we mentioned earlier, osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. Bacteria or fungi cause this infection, and what this type of infection does is that it causes bone marrows to swell, and when these bone marrows swell, it is painful.
Those who have osteomyelitis will have the following symptoms:
- They lose their appetite
- They will have fevers
- They will sweat a lot
- They will feel chills
- They will feel nauseated and may vomit from time to time
- They will have pain in their lower back
- Their movement can be painful and limited
- There will be pus in the affected area
Osteomyelitis must be treated as soon as possible because it can lead to complications such as stunted growth (for children), abscesses, and even bone death (blood flow to the bone is cut off; this may lead to the loss of whichever limb is affected).
Synonyms include:
- Acute osteomyelitis of cervical spine
- Acute osteomyelitis of vertebra
- Acute osteomyelitis of thoracic spine
- Acute osteomyelitis of lumbar spine
- Bacterial osteomyelitis
- Osteomyelitis caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Typhi
- Localized Salmonella infection
- Salmonella osteomyelitis
- Gonococcal osteomyelitis
- Infection of musculoskeletal system caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae
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Commonly asked questions
Yes. These codes are not specific with the locations of the osteomyelitis. An example of this would be M46.2 - Osteomyelitis of the vertebra. It doesn’t specify where in the vertebra. It’s best to use specific codes.
Professionals will conduct blood tests, bone scans, imaging tests, and/or biopsies.
That depends. If it’s not adverse, professionals can treat it using antibiotics, antifungals, draining fluid and pus from abscesses using a needle, and pain relievers. If it’s adverse, bone surgery might be performed.
