Abscess of bursa, unspecified ankle and foot

This code represents an infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within a bursa, specifically located in an unspecified ankle or foot. This condition is typically painful and may present with swelling, redness, and warmth over the affected bursa.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of bursal abscess affecting either the ankle or foot, but the specific anatomical location (e.g., prepatellar, olecranon) is not specified. This code is appropriate when the provider has diagnosed an abscess of a bursa in the lower extremity, distal to the leg, without further anatomical precision.

• Ensure documentation specifies "abscess" of the bursa, not just "bursitis," which would be coded differently.
• If the specific ankle or foot bursa is identified (e.g., retrocalcaneal bursa), a more specific code within M71.07- should be used.
• Always review for associated systemic infection or cellulitis, which may require additional codes.