ICD-10 Code M00.249 – Other streptococcal arthritis, unspecified hand (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M00.249 – Other streptococcal arthritis, unspecified hand
What it is
This code identifies a streptococcal infection causing arthritis in a hand joint, when the specific hand is not documented. Use it for infection-related joint inflammation, not for noninfectious arthritis.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a painful, swollen, warm hand joint with reduced motion and signs of acute inflammation. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for confirmed streptococcal involvement and the affected hand.
When to use this code
Use M00.249 when the record states streptococcal arthritis affecting a hand joint but does not specify right or left. It also fits when the provider documents other streptococcal arthritis of the hand and no more specific code is available.
Check documentation if the organism is not streptococcal, if the arthritis is traumatic or degenerative, or if the site is a different joint. Code the documented hand laterality when available.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for septic arthritis due to a non-streptococcal organism or for unspecified arthritis without infection. Do not assign it when the joint is not in the hand.
Coding tip
Confirm both the streptococcal cause and the hand site in the note before assigning M00.249.