ICD-10 Code M00.142 – Pneumococcal arthritis, left hand (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M00.142 – Pneumococcal arthritis, left hand
What it is
M00.142 identifies septic arthritis of the left hand caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Use it when the provider documents a pneumococcal joint infection affecting a hand joint on the left side.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a painful, swollen, warm, and tender joint with reduced motion. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, and confirm the organism and left-hand site are both documented.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record specifically states pneumococcal arthritis in the left hand, or a left-hand joint septic arthritis due to pneumococcus. It is appropriate for confirmed bacterial joint infection documentation, not for suspected infection alone. You should code the organism and laterality as documented.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for noninfectious arthritis, unspecified septic arthritis, or infections in another joint or body site. Check documentation if the organism is not clearly identified as pneumococcus.
Coding tip
Verify both the causative organism and the left-hand location before assigning M00.142.