Other chronic osteomyelitis, unspecified shoulder

This code signifies a persistent, long-term infection of the bone in the shoulder region, where the specific type of osteomyelitis is not further specified. It indicates an ongoing inflammatory process within the shoulder bone due to an infectious agent, without a more precise classification of the chronic osteomyelitis.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states "chronic osteomyelitis of the shoulder" without additional details regarding the specific type (e.g., multifocal, atypical). This is appropriate when the physician has diagnosed chronic osteomyelitis affecting the shoulder, but the exact pathological classification of the chronic infection is not provided.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "chronic" osteomyelitis; acute osteomyelitis of the shoulder is coded differently.
• Verify laterality (left, right, or bilateral) if specified in the medical record; this code is for an unspecified shoulder.
• Avoid using this code if a more specific type of chronic osteomyelitis (e.g., Brodie's abscess, chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis) is documented.