Abscess of bursa, unspecified wrist

This code identifies an infection within a bursa, specifically located in an unspecified wrist. An abscess indicates a localized collection of pus, typically due to bacterial infection, causing inflammation and pain in the affected bursa.

This code is appropriate when documentation confirms an abscess of a bursa in the wrist, but the specific wrist (left or right) is not documented. It is used when the physician's notes clearly state "abscess of wrist bursa" without further laterality.

• Avoid using this code if laterality (left or right wrist) is specified; instead, use the more specific M71.031 or M71.032.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "abscess" and not just "bursitis" or "inflammation of bursa," as those would map to different codes.
• Consider an additional code for the infectious agent if identified and documented.