Staphylococcal arthritis, unspecified hip

This code signifies an inflammatory condition of the hip joint caused by a Staphylococcus bacterial infection, where the specific hip (left or right) is not documented. It represents a septic arthritis primarily affecting the synovial lining and articular cartilage of the hip.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates staphylococcal arthritis of the hip, but the medical record does not specify laterality. This typically occurs when a definitive diagnosis of staphylococcal infection is made (e.g., positive culture from synovial fluid) and the hip is identified as the affected joint, but the specific side is not recorded.

• Always attempt to clarify laterality with the provider if possible, as more specific codes exist for left (M00.052) and right (M00.051) hip involvement.
• Do not use this code if the infection is due to a different bacterial organism; refer to other codes within the M00 category for other specified bacterial arthritis.
• Sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when the staphylococcal arthritis is the reason for the encounter, followed by codes for any associated systemic infection or complications.