ICD-10 M86
Non-Billable HeaderOsteomyelitis
About ICD-10-CM M86
ICD-10-CM code M86 represents Osteomyelitis. This is a non-billable header code in the Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue chapter (block M86). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM M86 became effective on October 1, 2025. Non-billable codes cannot be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis on a claim, use a more specific child code instead.
Type 1 Excludes
Pure excludes, these codes can never be coded together with M86. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- osteomyelitis due to:
- echinococcus (B67.2)
- gonococcus (A54.43)
- salmonella (A02.24)
Type 2 Excludes
Not included here, the excluded code is not part of M86, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. Both codes may be coded together when applicable.
- ostemyelitis of:
- orbit (H05.0-)
- petrous bone (H70.2-)
- vertebra (M46.2-)
Use Additional Code
When coding M86, also report these additional codes when applicable.
- code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent
Medicare LCD Coverage for M86
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list M86 as a covered diagnosis.
This doesn't mean the code isn't covered, it means no MAC has issued a Local Coverage Determination naming this specific code. Coverage may still apply under National Coverage Determinations or general medical-necessity rules.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing M86.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but M86 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with M86
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
We don't have CPT pairings indexed for this specific code yet. Use the CPT search above to find common procedures, or check your payer's published medical policy for code-specific guidance.
Codes Adjacent To M86
Other codes in section M86-M90 (Other osteopathies).
ICD-10 M86, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code M86 billable? +
No, M86 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block M86 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for M86? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with M86): osteomyelitis due to:; echinococcus (B67.2); gonococcus (A54.43)
What codes are Type 2 Excludes for M86? +
Type 2 Excludes (may be coded together when both conditions exist): ostemyelitis of:; orbit (H05.0-); petrous bone (H70.2-)
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
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