ICD-10 Code M00.20 – Other streptococcal arthritis, unspecified joint (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M00.20 – Other streptococcal arthritis, unspecified joint
What it is
M00.20 identifies septic arthritis caused by streptococcal infection when the affected joint is not specified. Use it for a documented streptococcal joint infection, not for nonspecific joint pain or inflammation.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include an acutely painful, swollen, warm joint with limited motion. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the organism and whether the joint location is unspecified.
When to use this code
Use M00.20 when the provider documents streptococcal arthritis and does not name the joint involved. It also fits cases where the infection is clearly streptococcal but the note does not identify a more specific joint site. Check documentation if the record only says arthritis or septic arthritis without the organism.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for arthritis due to other organisms, noninfectious arthritis, or pain without infection. If the joint is specified elsewhere in the record, choose the more specific code.
Coding tip
Confirm both the streptococcal cause and the unspecified joint detail before assigning M00.20.