Other infective bursitis, unspecified shoulder

This code signifies an inflammation of the bursa in the shoulder joint that is caused by an infection, but the specific type of infection is not identified. It indicates a bacterial, fungal, or viral etiology for the bursitis, rather than a non-infectious cause like overuse or trauma.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states "infective bursitis" of the shoulder, and the specific pathogen or type of infection is not specified. This is appropriate when the physician has diagnosed an infection as the cause of the bursitis but further microbiological details are pending or unknown.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "infective" bursitis; otherwise, a non-infective bursitis code (e.g., M75.5-) may be more appropriate.
• Avoid using this code if the specific infectious agent (e.g., staphylococcal, streptococcal) is identified; instead, use a more specific code from the M71.1- subcategory.
• Always query the provider if the documentation mentions "septic bursitis" without specifying the shoulder, as this code is specific to the shoulder.