Pneumococcal arthritis, unspecified hip

This code signifies an inflammatory condition of the hip joint caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, where the specific hip (left or right) is not documented. It represents a bacterial infection leading to joint pain, swelling, and restricted movement.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states "pneumococcal arthritis" affecting the hip, but does not specify laterality. This diagnosis is typically supported by positive joint fluid cultures for S. pneumoniae or strong clinical evidence in the absence of definitive culture results.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly links S. pneumoniae to the arthritis. If the causative organism is unknown, use an unspecified bacterial arthritis code.
• Avoid using this code if laterality (left or right hip) is specified; instead, select the more specific M00.151 or M00.152.
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.