ICD-10 Code M00.04 – Staphylococcal arthritis, hand (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M00.04 – Staphylococcal arthritis, hand
What it is
M00.04 identifies a staphylococcal infection of the hand joint causing septic arthritis. Use it when documentation specifies Staphylococcus as the infectious organism and the affected site is the hand.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include acute joint pain, swelling, warmth, and limited motion in the hand. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, especially when aspiration, culture, or imaging supports septic arthritis.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents staphylococcal septic arthritis involving a hand joint, such as the wrist or small joints of the hand if documented as part of the hand. Code it only when the organism and anatomic site are both confirmed.
If the record says suspected infection, postoperative inflammation, or arthritis without organism detail, check documentation before assigning M00.04. You may need a different infectious arthritis code if another organism is named.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for noninfectious arthritis, cellulitis, osteomyelitis, or pain alone. Do not use it when the hand is not specified or when staphylococcal infection is not documented.
Coding tip
Verify both the organism and the joint location in the provider note, culture report, or discharge summary before coding M00.04.