What is the correct code assignment for osteomyelitis of the knee due to Burkholderia pseudomallei infection?
Osteomyelitis is an unusual but well recognised manifestation of melioidosis, a disease that is endemic in South-East Asia and northern Australia. Infection is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei which can be acquired by ingestion, inhalation or wound contamination. Infection more commonly occurs in people with coexistent conditions such as diabetes, renal impairment, chronic pulmonary disease and immunosuppression. Subacute presentations often mimic other disease processes and patients may not always be clinically septic. Treatment for osteomyelitis often requires surgical drainage and multiple antibiotic therapy. The correct codes to assign for the scenario cited above are M86.86 Other osteomyelitis, lower leg and B96.88 Other and unspecified bacterial agents as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters, following the pathways: Osteomyelitis (infective) (septic) (suppurative) – specified NEC M86.8- and Burkholderia NEC – pseudomallei (see also Melioidosis) – – as the cause o
