Arthritis due to other bacteria, left ankle and foot

This code signifies an inflammatory joint condition affecting the left ankle and foot, specifically caused by a bacterial infection other than those typically associated with specific arthropathies (e.g., gonococcal, meningococcal). It indicates a bacterial etiology for the arthritis in this specific anatomical location.

Use this code when documentation clearly states bacterial arthritis of the left ankle and/or foot, and the causative organism is identified as a bacterium not classified elsewhere (e.g., Staphylococcus, Streptococcus). This code is appropriate when the infection is confirmed and the resulting inflammation of the joint is present.

• Always confirm the specific joint(s) affected and the laterality (left, right, bilateral).
• Ensure the documentation specifies a bacterial cause; if the cause is unknown or viral, a different code is required.
• Consider sequencing this code after a code identifying the specific bacterial organism, if known and documented.