Other chronic osteomyelitis, other site

This code signifies a persistent, long-standing infection of the bone marrow and surrounding bone tissue that is not acute, subacute, or due to a specific infectious agent like salmonella or other bacteria. It represents a chronic inflammatory process affecting an unspecified bone location other than those with more specific codes.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates chronic osteomyelitis affecting a bone site not otherwise specified or classified. This includes cases where the specific bone is not documented, or the infection is multifocal across various unlisted sites. Supporting documentation should detail the chronicity of the infection and the absence of a more specific anatomical location.

• Do not use this code if a more specific anatomical site (e.g., vertebra, tibia, femur) is documented; instead, use the appropriate site-specific chronic osteomyelitis code.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "chronic" osteomyelitis. If "acute" or "subacute" is noted, a different code from the M86 series is required.
• Always code the underlying infectious agent (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) as an additional diagnosis, if known and documented.