Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis, multiple sites

This code signifies an acute bone infection caused by bacteria spread through the bloodstream, affecting more than one bone location. It represents a rapidly developing inflammatory process within the bone and bone marrow, typically bacterial in origin.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a recent onset of osteomyelitis that is hematogenous in nature and involves multiple distinct skeletal sites. Supporting documentation should include positive blood cultures, imaging (e.g., MRI, bone scan) confirming multi-site involvement, and clinical signs of acute infection.

• Ensure documentation specifies "acute" and "hematogenous" as the etiology.
• Verify that multiple, distinct anatomical sites are affected, not just a single bone with multiple foci.
• Do not use for chronic osteomyelitis or osteomyelitis resulting from direct inoculation or contiguous spread.