ICD-10 Code M00.042 – Staphylococcal arthritis, left hand (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M00.042 – Staphylococcal arthritis, left hand
What it is
M00.042 identifies a staphylococcal infection of the left hand joint causing septic arthritis. It means the joint inflammation is due to Staphylococcus species, not a noninfectious arthropathy.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a painful, swollen, warm left hand joint with limited motion. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for confirmed septic arthritis and the organism.
When to use this code
Use M00.042 when the provider documents staphylococcal septic arthritis affecting a joint in the left hand. The record should support both the infectious cause and the left-hand site. If the organism or laterality is unclear, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for noninfectious arthritis, cellulitis, or osteomyelitis without joint involvement. Do not assign it if the staphylococcal cause or left-hand location is not documented.
Coding tip
Match the organism and anatomic site exactly; if either is missing, query the provider.