Pneumococcal arthritis, left ankle and foot

This code signifies an inflammatory joint condition affecting the left ankle and foot, specifically caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It represents an acute or chronic infection of the synovial fluid and joint tissues in this specific anatomical location.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of arthritis of the left ankle and foot, and laboratory or clinical findings confirm Streptococcus pneumoniae as the causative agent. This typically applies to patients presenting with joint pain, swelling, erythema, and fever, with positive joint fluid cultures or other definitive diagnostic tests.

• Ensure documentation specifies "left" ankle and foot; laterality is crucial for accurate coding.
• Confirm the infectious agent is explicitly identified as "pneumococcal" or Streptococcus pneumoniae.
• Do not confuse with other infectious arthropathies or non-infectious inflammatory arthritides.