Other chronic osteomyelitis, left shoulder

This code signifies a long-standing, persistent infection of the bone and bone marrow in the patient's left shoulder, not otherwise specified as a specific type of chronic osteomyelitis. It indicates an ongoing inflammatory process within the osseous structures of the glenohumeral joint or surrounding shoulder girdle.

This code is appropriate when documentation specifies chronic osteomyelitis affecting the left shoulder, without further detail regarding the specific type (e.g., multifocal, with draining sinus). It should be used when the physician's notes clearly indicate a chronic, rather than acute, presentation of the infection in this anatomical location.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "chronic" osteomyelitis and specifies the "left shoulder" as the affected site.
• Distinguish from acute osteomyelitis (M86.1-) and other specified types of chronic osteomyelitis (M86.60, M86.68, M86.69).
• Code any associated infectious organism (B95-B97) as an additional diagnosis, if identified and documented.