ICD-10 Code M00.069 – Staphylococcal arthritis, unspecified knee (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M00.069 – Staphylococcal arthritis, unspecified knee
What it is
This code identifies a staphylococcal infection causing arthritis in the knee, with no side specified. Use it when documentation states staphylococcal arthritis and the knee is involved, but laterality is not recorded.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a painful, swollen, warm knee with reduced range of motion. Fever or systemic illness may be present, but clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents staphylococcal septic arthritis affecting the knee and does not specify right or left. It also fits cases where the diagnosis is confirmed clinically or by culture, but laterality is missing. Check documentation if the record only says “knee infection” or another joint is involved.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonspecific knee pain, osteoarthritis, or arthritis caused by organisms other than Staphylococcus. If the knee side is documented, choose the appropriate laterality-specific code instead.
Coding tip
Verify organism and joint site in the note; if laterality is absent, M00.069 is the correct unspecified-knee choice.