ICD-10 Code M00.242 – Other streptococcal arthritis, left hand (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M00.242 – Other streptococcal arthritis, left hand
What it is
M00.242 identifies a streptococcal infection causing arthritis in the left hand joint. Use it when the documentation specifies streptococcal arthritis and the affected site is the left hand.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include joint pain, swelling, warmth, and limited motion in the left hand. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, and confirm the streptococcal cause when recorded.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents septic or infectious arthritis of the left hand due to streptococcal organisms. It also applies when the note clearly links the arthritis to streptococcal infection and names the left hand joint.
If the record only says arthritis, joint pain, or hand infection without a streptococcal cause, do not assign this code. Check documentation for laterality and organism specificity before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use for noninfectious arthritis, unspecified hand arthritis, or arthritis caused by another organism. Check documentation if the site is not the left hand or the infectious cause is not streptococcal.
Coding tip
Verify both the organism and laterality in the provider note before coding M00.242.