Arthritis due to other bacteria, unspecified hand

This code signifies an inflammatory joint condition of the hand caused by a bacterial infection other than those specifically classified elsewhere (e.g., gonococcal, meningococcal). It indicates that the specific bacterium responsible for the arthritis has not been identified or documented. The affected hand is not specified as left or right.

Apply this code when documentation confirms bacterial arthritis of the hand, but the causative organism is described as "other bacteria" or is unspecified. This code is appropriate when the provider has not specified laterality (left or right hand). Supporting documentation would include physician notes detailing joint inflammation, positive bacterial cultures (without specific identification), or clinical diagnosis of bacterial arthritis of the hand.

• Always seek clarification from the provider if the specific bacterium or laterality of the hand is known, as more specific codes exist.
• Do not use this code if the arthritis is due to a specific bacterium that has its own ICD-10-CM code (e.g., staphylococcal, streptococcal).
• Consider an additional code for the underlying bacterial infection if it is documented and not already inherent in the arthritis diagnosis.