ICD-10 Code M00.129 – Pneumococcal arthritis, unspecified elbow (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M00.129 – Pneumococcal arthritis, unspecified elbow
What it is
This code identifies septic arthritis of the elbow caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae when the elbow side is not specified. Use it for a documented pneumococcal joint infection, not for other causes of arthritis.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a painful, swollen, warm elbow with limited range of motion. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the organism and the affected joint.
When to use this code
Use M00.129 when the record clearly states pneumococcal arthritis involving the elbow and does not specify left or right. It may appear in acute septic arthritis notes, aspiration results, or infectious disease assessments. Check documentation if the organism is implied but not named.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for noninfectious arthritis, gout, or arthritis caused by another organism. If the elbow laterality is documented, choose the more specific code.
Coding tip
Confirm both the causative organism and elbow laterality before assigning this code.