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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.059

M87.059

Billable

Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of unspecified femur

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.059 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of idiopathic aseptic necrosis of unspecified femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of the femur is a condition characterized by the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply, without the presence of infection. This condition can lead to severe pain, limited mobility, and potential joint dysfunction. The etiology remains unknown, hence the term 'idiopathic.' The femur, being the largest bone in the body, is particularly susceptible to this condition, especially in the head of the femur where the blood supply is tenuous. Patients often present with hip pain that may radiate to the groin or knee, and symptoms can worsen with weight-bearing activities. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, which can reveal characteristic changes in bone density and structure. Treatment options may include conservative management with pain relief and physical therapy, or surgical interventions such as core decompression or total hip replacement in advanced cases. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent further complications and preserve joint function.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Lack of clear etiology complicates documentation and coding.
  • Differentiating from other forms of osteonecrosis can be challenging.
  • Requires thorough clinical documentation to support the diagnosis.
  • Potential overlap with other codes related to osteonecrosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the idiopathic nature of the condition.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis.
  • Inconsistent use of terminology in clinical notes.
  • Failure to document the patient's functional status and treatment plan.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including patient history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with hip pain, limited range of motion, and a history of risk factors such as corticosteroid use or alcohol consumption.

Billing Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must ensure that all relevant imaging and clinical findings are documented to support the diagnosis of idiopathic aseptic necrosis.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive imaging reports detailing findings consistent with osteonecrosis, including MRI or CT findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Radiologists interpreting imaging studies for patients with hip pain suspected of having osteonecrosis.

Billing Considerations

Radiology reports should clearly indicate the absence of infection and the presence of characteristic changes in bone structure.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.059 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, M87
  • 059 should be used when the diagnosis of idiopathic aseptic necrosis is confirmed without evidence of infection
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that no other specific codes apply

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.059 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27130CPT Code

Total hip arthroplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for advanced osteonecrosis.

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports must detail the diagnosis and justification for surgery.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that the diagnosis of M87.059 is clearly documented in the surgical notes.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like idiopathic aseptic necrosis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M87.059 provides a clear designation for this condition, which was less specific in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like idiopathic aseptic necrosis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M87.059 provides a clear designation for this condition, which was less specific in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. M87.059 provides a clear designation for this condition, which was less specific in ICD-9.

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 M87.059 and M87.05?

M87.059 is used when the laterality of the femur is unspecified, while M87.05 specifies necrosis of the right femur. Accurate coding requires knowing the laterality when applicable.