Staphylococcal arthritis, right hand

This code signifies an acute inflammatory joint condition affecting the right hand, specifically caused by a Staphylococcus bacterial infection. It indicates the presence of an infectious arthritis where the pathogen has been identified as staphylococcal.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of staphylococcal arthritis localized to the right hand. Supporting documentation should include laboratory confirmation of Staphylococcus as the causative agent and explicit mention of the right hand as the affected site.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "right hand" and not a more general "hand" or "upper limb."
• Confirm that the infection is explicitly identified as staphylococcal; do not use for unspecified bacterial arthritis.
• Code any underlying conditions or associated systemic infections separately, if documented.