Other streptococcal arthritis, unspecified elbow

This code signifies an inflammatory joint condition of the elbow caused by a streptococcal bacterial infection, where the specific type of streptococcus is not identified. It indicates an acute or subacute arthritis resulting from the systemic spread of streptococcal bacteria or a reactive process.

Apply this code when documentation confirms streptococcal arthritis affecting the elbow, but the specific streptococcal species (e.g., Group A, Group B) is not specified. This typically occurs following a streptococcal infection elsewhere in the body, such as strep throat or skin infection, leading to joint inflammation.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "streptococcal arthritis" and specifies the elbow as the affected joint.
• If the specific streptococcal organism is identified, a more precise code from the M00.2- subcategory should be used.
• Always sequence this code after the underlying streptococcal infection (e.g., A38.0, A40.0) if it is still active and being treated.