Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, left shoulder

This code signifies an acute bone infection originating from a bloodstream infection, specifically affecting the left shoulder joint. It indicates a sudden onset inflammatory process of the bone and bone marrow in the humerus, scapula, or clavicle, caused by bacteria or other pathogens disseminated through the blood.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states acute hematogenous osteomyelitis involving the left shoulder. This typically occurs in patients with a recent infection elsewhere in the body, presenting with acute pain, swelling, and tenderness in the left shoulder, often accompanied by fever and elevated inflammatory markers. Supporting documentation should include imaging findings (e.g., MRI, X-ray) consistent with osteomyelitis and/or positive blood cultures.

• Ensure documentation specifies "acute" and "hematogenous" as the etiology; otherwise, consider other osteomyelitis codes.
• Verify the laterality is explicitly stated as "left shoulder"; do not assume laterality if not documented.
• Always sequence this code first if it is the primary reason for the encounter, followed by codes for any underlying systemic infection or causative organism.