ICD-10 Code M00.072 – Staphylococcal arthritis, left ankle and foot (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M00.072 – Staphylococcal arthritis, left ankle and foot
What it is
This code identifies a staphylococcal infection causing septic arthritis in the left ankle and foot joints. Use it when documentation specifies the organism and the left-sided ankle or foot joint involvement.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include joint pain, swelling, warmth, and reduced range of motion. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for confirmed septic arthritis and staphylococcal cause.
When to use this code
Use M00.072 when the provider documents staphylococcal arthritis affecting the left ankle and foot, including septic arthritis of those joints. It is appropriate when the record clearly links the infection to Staphylococcus and specifies the left side. Check documentation if laterality or organism is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for noninfectious arthritis, unspecified joint infection, or arthritis without documented staphylococcal cause. If the affected site is not the left ankle and foot, choose the code that matches the documented location.
Coding tip
Confirm both the organism and laterality in the note before assigning M00.072.