Discitis, unspecified, multiple sites in spine

This code represents an inflammatory condition affecting the intervertebral discs at multiple, unspecified locations within the spine. It indicates an infection or inflammation of the disc space without further specification of the causative agent or the exact spinal regions involved.

Use this code when documentation indicates discitis affecting more than one spinal level, but the specific vertebral regions (e.g., cervical, thoracic, lumbar) are not explicitly stated. This code is appropriate when the provider's diagnosis is "discitis, multiple sites" or "multifocal discitis" without further anatomical detail.

• Do not use this code if the specific spinal regions (e.g., cervical, thoracic, lumbar) are documented; instead, use the more specific codes within the M46.4- category.
• Always query the provider for clarification on the specific spinal levels involved if "multiple sites" is documented without further detail.
• Code any associated infectious organism (e.g., bacterial, fungal) as an additional diagnosis, if documented.