Chronic osteomyelitis with draining sinus, other site

This code signifies a persistent, long-standing infection of the bone marrow and surrounding bone, characterized by a chronic opening or tract that allows pus or inflammatory material to drain to the skin surface or into a body cavity. This condition indicates an ongoing infectious process that has established a pathway for discharge.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states "chronic osteomyelitis" and explicitly mentions the presence of a "draining sinus" or "fistula" in an anatomical location not specified by more specific codes (e.g., shoulder, forearm, pelvic region). This code is appropriate for established, long-term infections rather than acute presentations.

• Ensure the documentation specifies both "chronic" osteomyelitis and a "draining sinus" or "fistula."
• Verify the anatomical site is not more specifically coded elsewhere (e.g., M86.41-M86.47).
• Consider sequencing this code after any underlying cause of the osteomyelitis, if known and documented.