Pneumococcal arthritis, unspecified elbow

This code signifies an inflammatory joint condition of the elbow caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, where the specific laterality (right or left) of the affected elbow is not documented. It represents a bacterial infection leading to arthritis in the elbow joint.

Apply this code when documentation confirms pneumococcal arthritis affecting the elbow, but the medical record does not specify whether it is the right or left elbow. This diagnosis is typically supported by positive joint fluid cultures for S. pneumoniae and clinical signs of arthritis.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "pneumococcal" as the causative agent; otherwise, a different code for infectious arthritis may be more appropriate.
• Avoid using this code if the laterality of the affected elbow is specified; instead, select the more specific code for right (M00.121) or left (M00.122) elbow.
• Always sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, followed by any associated systemic conditions or complications.