Which of the following diabetic complications requires the assignment of a combination code plus the...

In ICD-10-CM diabetes coding (as reinforced in outpatient CDI education), some diabetes manifestations are fully captured by a single diabetes “combination” code, while others require a diabetes complication codeplus an additional codeto identify the specific manifestation. Diabeticnephropathyand many forms of diabeticretinopathyare commonly represented by diabetes combination codes that already describe the manifestation with built-in specificity options (e.g., diabetes with nephropathy; diabetes with retinopathy with/without macular edema and severity).Osteomyelitis, however, is typically captured using a diabetes code such as “diabetes with other specified complication” (e.g., E11.69) to establish the linkage to diabetesandan additional code from the osteomyelitis category (e.g., M86.-) to specify the site, acuity, and type of osteomyelitis. From a chart review standpoint, CDI often queries to confirm the causal relationship (“due to diabetes”) and to ensure the osteomyelitis details (site, acute vs chronic) are documented so both codes can be assigned accurately and compliantly.