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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM84.68

M84.68

Billable

Pathological fracture in other disease, other site

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M84.68 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pathological fracture in other disease, other site.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M84.68 refers to pathological fractures that occur in the context of other diseases affecting bone integrity, such as metabolic bone disorders, malignancies, or chronic inflammatory conditions. These fractures are not the result of trauma but rather arise from weakened bone structure due to underlying conditions like osteoporosis, Paget's disease, or metastatic cancer. Patients with low bone density are particularly susceptible to these fractures, which can occur in various sites throughout the body, including the vertebrae, femur, and pelvis. The management of these fractures often involves addressing the underlying disease, optimizing bone health through medications like bisphosphonates or calcitonin, and implementing fall prevention strategies. Accurate coding of M84.68 is crucial for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of care required for these patients.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying conditions leading to fractures
  • Need for precise documentation of the disease causing the fracture
  • Differentiation from traumatic fractures
  • Potential for multiple sites of fracture

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying disease
  • Failure to specify the fracture site
  • Misclassification of traumatic vs. pathological fractures
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence for the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on fracture location, type, and underlying conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fractures after minimal trauma, often with a history of osteoporosis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the underlying disease is clearly documented to support the use of M84.68.

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluation of bone density and metabolic disorders.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with osteoporosis or other metabolic bone diseases experiencing fractures.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the patient's bone density status and treatment history is essential.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M84.68 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M84
  • 68 should be used when a fracture occurs due to an underlying disease process, and the specific site of the fracture must be documented
  • It is important to differentiate these from traumatic fractures and to ensure that the underlying condition is clearly stated

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M84.68 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into a major joint or bursa

Clinical Scenario

Used in conjunction with M84.68 when treating joint effusions related to fractures.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the procedure and the underlying condition.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure that the relationship between the fracture and joint issues is clear.

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 these cases and ensuring appropriate reimbursement for the management of underlying conditions.

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 these cases and ensuring appropriate reimbursement for the management of underlying conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement for the management of underlying conditions.

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 underlying disease processes that weaken the bone, while a traumatic fracture results from an external force or injury.