Infection of intvrt disc (pyogenic), multiple sites in spine

This code represents a bacterial or other pyogenic infection affecting multiple intervertebral discs within the spinal column. This condition, often referred to as pyogenic discitis, involves inflammation and destruction of the disc tissue due to an infectious agent. It typically presents with severe back pain, fever, and elevated inflammatory markers.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a pyogenic infection of the intervertebral discs involving more than one spinal level. This diagnosis is often confirmed by imaging studies (e.g., MRI showing disc space narrowing, endplate erosion, and enhancement) and positive cultures from disc biopsy or blood.

• Ensure documentation specifies "multiple sites" or "multiple levels" of disc involvement; otherwise, a site-specific code may be more appropriate.
• Always code the underlying infectious organism (e.g., B95-B97 for bacterial infections) as an additional diagnosis, if known.
• Distinguish from non-pyogenic discitis (e.g., M46.4- for nonpyogenic discitis) or discitis due to tuberculosis (A18.04).