Staphylococcal arthritis, unspecified elbow

This code signifies an inflammatory joint condition of the elbow caused by a Staphylococcus bacterial infection. It indicates a bacterial arthritis where the specific type of staphylococcus has not been identified, affecting an unspecified elbow joint.

Use this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of septic arthritis of the elbow due to a staphylococcal organism, but the specific species (e.g., S. aureus, coagulase-negative staph) is not specified. This code is appropriate when the medical record does not specify laterality (right or left elbow).

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "staphylococcal" as the causative agent for the arthritis.
• If the specific staphylococcal species is known, use a more precise code from the M00.0- series (e.g., M00.021 for right elbow, M00.022 for left elbow).
• Always query the provider for laterality if not documented, as more specific codes exist for right and left elbow.