Pneumococcal arthritis, left elbow

This code signifies an inflammatory joint condition affecting the left elbow, specifically caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It represents a bacterial infection leading to arthritis in this particular joint.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of pneumococcal arthritis affecting the left elbow. This diagnosis is typically supported by positive joint fluid cultures for S. pneumoniae and clinical signs of septic arthritis localized to the left elbow joint.

• Ensure the documentation specifies both the causative organism (Pneumococcus) and the exact joint involved (left elbow).
• Do not use this code for other bacterial causes of septic arthritis or for pneumococcal infections in other joints.
• Consider sequencing this code after a code for the underlying systemic pneumococcal infection, if applicable and documented.