Arthritis due to other bacteria, left shoulder

This code signifies an inflammatory joint condition affecting the left shoulder, specifically caused by a bacterial infection other than those typically associated with common infectious arthropathies (e.g., tuberculosis, Lyme disease). It indicates a direct bacterial invasion of the joint space, leading to pain, swelling, and restricted movement in the left shoulder.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states bacterial arthritis affecting the left shoulder, and the causative organism is identified as a bacterium not specified elsewhere in the M00 category (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species). Supporting documentation should include microbiology reports confirming bacterial presence in synovial fluid or tissue, along with a physician's diagnosis of septic arthritis.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "left shoulder" to accurately assign this laterality-specific code.
• Do not use this code for viral, fungal, or parasitic arthritis; refer to codes in categories M00.2-M00.9 for other specified bacterial causes.
• Always sequence a code for the underlying bacterial infection (e.g., B95-B97) as a secondary diagnosis, if known and documented.