Pneumococcal arthritis, unspecified joint

This code signifies an inflammatory condition of a joint caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, where the specific joint affected is not documented. It represents a bacterial infection leading to joint pain, swelling, and restricted movement, requiring antibiotic treatment.

Use this code when the medical record explicitly states a diagnosis of pneumococcal arthritis but does not specify which joint is involved. Documentation should confirm the presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae as the causative agent, typically through joint fluid aspiration and culture.

• Avoid using this code if a specific joint (e.g., knee, hip, shoulder) is identified; instead, use the more specific code from the M00.1- subcategory.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the arthritis to Streptococcus pneumoniae to differentiate from other bacterial or inflammatory arthropathies.
• Consider sequencing this code after a code for the underlying pneumococcal infection, if applicable and still active.