Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, unspecified hand

This code signifies an acute bone infection in the hand, originating from a bloodstream infection. It indicates a sudden onset of inflammation and destruction of bone tissue within the hand, without further specification of the exact hand involved.

Assign this code when documentation confirms acute hematogenous osteomyelitis affecting any part of the hand, and the specific hand (left or right) is not documented. Supporting documentation should include clinical findings consistent with acute infection, such as pain, swelling, erythema, and fever, along with imaging or laboratory results confirming osteomyelitis.

• Do not use this code if the specific hand (left or right) is documented; instead, use the more specific codes M86.041 or M86.042.
• Always look for documentation of the causative organism to assign an additional code for the infection (e.g., B95-B97).
• Ensure the "acute" nature is clearly stated in the medical record to differentiate from chronic osteomyelitis (M86.3-M86.6).