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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM84.559

M84.559

Billable

Pathological fracture in neoplastic disease, hip, unspecified

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/17/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M84.559 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pathological fracture in neoplastic disease, hip, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Pathological fractures in neoplastic disease occur when a bone breaks due to the weakening of the bone structure caused by cancerous lesions. These fractures can occur in any bone but are particularly common in the hip due to its weight-bearing function. In patients with neoplastic diseases, such as metastatic cancer, the integrity of the bone is compromised as the tumor invades the bone tissue, leading to decreased bone density and increased fragility. This condition is often associated with osteoporosis, where the bone density is already reduced, making the bones more susceptible to fractures. The hip is a critical area for these fractures, as they can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs to confirm the presence of a fracture and assess the extent of bone involvement. Treatment may include surgical intervention, pain management, and addressing the underlying neoplastic disease. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of care required for these patients.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for precise documentation of neoplastic disease type and location
  • Differentiation between pathological fractures and traumatic fractures
  • Understanding of bone metabolism disorders and their impact on fracture risk
  • Variability in clinical presentation and treatment approaches

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the neoplastic disease
  • Failure to specify the exact location of the fracture
  • Misclassification of the fracture type (pathological vs. traumatic)
  • Lack of supporting imaging studies in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of the type and stage of cancer, treatment history, and any related bone health assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with metastatic breast cancer presenting with hip pain and subsequent imaging revealing a pathological fracture.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the relationship between the neoplastic disease and the fracture is clearly documented to support the use of M84.559.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive notes on the fracture assessment, treatment plan, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

An elderly patient with a history of prostate cancer presenting with hip fracture after minimal trauma.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any pre-existing conditions that may contribute to bone fragility.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M84.559 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, M84
  • 559 should be used when a pathological fracture is confirmed in a patient with a known neoplastic disease, and the specific site of the fracture is not documented
  • Coders must ensure that the underlying neoplastic disease is well
  • documented to support the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M84.559 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27447CPT Code

Total hip arthroplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases where surgical intervention is required for a pathological hip fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication for surgery.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the fracture type and any pre-existing conditions.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of pathological fractures, improving the ability to capture the complexity of cases involving neoplastic diseases. M84.559 provides a clear designation for fractures occurring in the context of cancer, facilitating better tracking and management of these patients.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of pathological fractures, improving the ability to capture the complexity of cases involving neoplastic diseases. M84.559 provides a clear designation for fractures occurring in the context of cancer, facilitating better tracking and management of these patients.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of pathological fractures, improving the ability to capture the complexity of cases involving neoplastic diseases. M84.559 provides a clear designation for fractures occurring in the context of cancer, facilitating better tracking and management of these patients.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a pathological fracture and a traumatic fracture?

A pathological fracture occurs due to weakened bone structure from disease, such as cancer, while a traumatic fracture results from an external force or injury.