ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for subacute osteomyelitis
Subacute osteomyelitis, unspecified site
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Osteomyelitis (general) (infective) (localized) (neonatal) (purulent) (septic) (staphylococcal) (streptococcal) (suppurative) (with periostitis) › subacute”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding subacute osteomyelitis
The ICD-10-CM code for subacute osteomyelitis is M86.20 (Subacute osteomyelitis, unspecified site). The official index lists 20 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on M86.20.
Within M86.2, choose M86.20 (unspecified site) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: shoulder (M86.21), humerus (M86.22), radius and ulna (M86.23), hand (M86.24), femur (M86.25), tibia and fibula (M86.26), ankle and foot (M86.27), other site (M86.28) and 1 more.
Use an additional code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent. Use an additional code to identify major osseous defect, if applicable (M89.7-).
As a secondary diagnosis it is a CC (complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the "with CC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.
More specific subacute osteomyelitis codes (official index)
- carpus M86.24 — Subacute osteomyelitis, hand
- clavicle M86.21 — Subacute osteomyelitis, shoulder
- femur M86.25 — Subacute osteomyelitis, femur
- fibula M86.26 — Subacute osteomyelitis, tibia and fibula
- finger M86.24 — Subacute osteomyelitis, hand
- humerus M86.22 — Subacute osteomyelitis, humerus
- mandible M27.2 — Inflammatory conditions of jaws
- metacarpus M86.24 — Subacute osteomyelitis, hand
- metatarsus M86.27 — Subacute osteomyelitis, ankle and foot
- multiple sites M86.29 — Subacute osteomyelitis, multiple sites
- neck M86.28 — Subacute osteomyelitis, other site
- orbit H05.02 — Osteomyelitis of orbit
- petrous bone
- radius M86.23 — Subacute osteomyelitis, radius and ulna
- rib M86.28 — Subacute osteomyelitis, other site
- scapula M86.21 — Subacute osteomyelitis, shoulder
- skull M86.28 — Subacute osteomyelitis, other site
- tarsus M86.27 — Subacute osteomyelitis, ankle and foot
- tibia M86.26 — Subacute osteomyelitis, tibia and fibula
- toe M86.27 — Subacute osteomyelitis, ankle and foot
- ulna M86.23 — Subacute osteomyelitis, radius and ulna
- vertebra
Common questions about subacute osteomyelitis ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for subacute osteomyelitis?
- M86.20 — Subacute osteomyelitis, unspecified site. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: M86.24, M86.21, M86.25, M86.26 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for carpus subacute osteomyelitis?
- M86.24 — Subacute osteomyelitis, hand (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for clavicle subacute osteomyelitis?
- M86.21 — Subacute osteomyelitis, shoulder (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for femur subacute osteomyelitis?
- M86.25 — Subacute osteomyelitis, femur (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for fibula subacute osteomyelitis?
- M86.26 — Subacute osteomyelitis, tibia and fibula (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for finger subacute osteomyelitis?
- M86.24 — Subacute osteomyelitis, hand (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for humerus subacute osteomyelitis?
- M86.22 — Subacute osteomyelitis, humerus (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
Is M86.20 billable?
- Yes. M86.20 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can M86.20 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict M86.20 as a principal diagnosis.
Is M86.20 a CC or MCC?
- M86.20 is a CC (complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.