ICD-10 Code M01.X21 – Direct infection of right elbow in infectious and parasitic diseases classified elsewhere (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M01.X21 – Direct infection of right elbow in infectious and parasitic diseases classified elsewhere
What it is
This code identifies a direct infectious arthritis or joint infection affecting the right elbow, when the infection is classified elsewhere. Use it when the underlying infectious disease is documented separately.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include elbow pain, swelling, warmth, limited motion, and joint tenderness. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation and the identified infectious cause.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record states a direct infection of the right elbow and the provider links it to an infectious or parasitic disease coded elsewhere. It may appear with a confirmed systemic infection or another underlying infectious diagnosis. Code the causal infection first when instructed by the guideline set.
Do not use for
Do not use it for nonspecific elbow pain, trauma, or degenerative joint disease. Do not use it when the infection site or the underlying infectious cause is not documented; check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify both the right-sided elbow site and the underlying infectious disease before assigning M01.X21.