ICD-10 Code M00.032 – Staphylococcal arthritis, left wrist (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M00.032 – Staphylococcal arthritis, left wrist
What it is
This code identifies a staphylococcal infection causing arthritis in the left wrist joint. Use it when the record documents septic arthritis due to Staphylococcus affecting that specific joint.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a painful, swollen, warm wrist with limited range of motion. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for culture results, organism identification, and laterality.
When to use this code
Use M00.032 when the provider documents staphylococcal septic arthritis of the left wrist. It also applies when the left wrist is clearly identified as the infected joint and Staphylococcus is the causative organism.
Do not assign it for nonspecific joint pain, suspected infection, or arthritis without organism confirmation. Check documentation if the note does not clearly link the infection to the left wrist.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for arthritis in another joint, noninfectious inflammatory arthritis, or an unspecified wrist infection. Check documentation when the organism or laterality is unclear.
Coding tip
Verify both the organism and the left-sided joint before coding, and sequence any associated sepsis or infection codes as documented.