ICD-10 Code M00.88 – Arthritis due to other bacteria, vertebrae (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M00.88 – Arthritis due to other bacteria, vertebrae
What it is
M00.88 identifies bacterial arthritis affecting the vertebrae caused by organisms other than the common coded streptococcal or staphylococcal categories. Use it when documentation states the spinal joint infection is due to another specified bacterium.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings may include localized spinal pain, tenderness, reduced motion, and evidence of infectious arthritis involving a vertebral joint.
When to use this code
Use M00.88 when the provider documents arthritis of the vertebrae due to a specific bacterium that is not otherwise classified in a more specific code. It may appear in operative notes, imaging interpretations, or infectious disease assessments. Check documentation for the named organism and spinal site.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for noninfectious arthritis, spondylitis without joint infection, or vertebral infection caused by an organism with a more specific ICD-10-CM code. Check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify both the bacterial cause and the vertebral location before assigning M00.88.