ICD-10 Code M00.871 – Arthritis due to other bacteria, right ankle and foot (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M00.871 – Arthritis due to other bacteria, right ankle and foot
What it is
M00.871 identifies septic arthritis in the right ankle and foot caused by bacteria other than the specific organisms named elsewhere in ICD-10-CM. Use it when documentation clearly states bacterial arthritis affecting these joints.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a painful, swollen, warm joint with reduced range of motion and difficulty bearing weight. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, and confirm the right ankle or foot is involved.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents arthritis, septic arthritis, or infectious arthritis of the right ankle and foot due to another bacterium. It also fits when the record identifies a bacterial cause but does not name a more specific organism code. Check documentation for laterality and site.
Do not use for
Do not use M00.871 for viral, fungal, or noninfectious inflammatory arthritis. Do not use it when the infection is in a different joint, the side is not right, or the organism is documented elsewhere and a more specific code applies.
Coding tip
Verify both the causative organism and the exact joint site before assigning M00.871.