Pneumococcal arthritis, right hip

This code signifies an inflammatory condition of the right hip joint caused by a Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterial infection. It specifically identifies septic arthritis where the causative organism is pneumococcus, affecting the articulation between the femur and the pelvis on the right side.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of septic arthritis of the right hip, and laboratory confirmation (e.g., synovial fluid culture) or strong clinical evidence points to Streptococcus pneumoniae as the etiologic agent. This code is appropriate for initial encounters, subsequent care, and sequelae of the acute infection.

• Ensure documentation specifies "right hip" and identifies Streptococcus pneumoniae as the infecting organism.
• Do not use this code for other bacterial causes of septic arthritis; specific codes exist for staphylococcal, streptococcal (other), or unspecified bacterial arthritis.
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, followed by codes for any associated systemic infections or complications.