Pneumococcal arthritis, left hip

This code signifies an inflammatory joint condition affecting the left hip, specifically caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It represents an infectious arthritis where the pneumococcal organism has invaded the synovial fluid and tissues of the hip joint.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of infectious arthritis of the left hip, with laboratory confirmation or strong clinical evidence pointing to Streptococcus pneumoniae as the causative agent. Supporting documentation includes positive joint fluid cultures, Gram stains, or serological tests identifying pneumococcus.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "left hip" as the affected joint; laterality is crucial for accurate coding.
• Verify that the infection is indeed pneumococcal; do not use for other bacterial causes of septic arthritis.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when the pneumococcal arthritis is the reason for the encounter.