ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.121

M87.121

Billable

Osteonecrosis due to drugs, right humerus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.121 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteonecrosis due to drugs, right humerus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis, is a condition characterized by the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. In the case of M87.121, the osteonecrosis is specifically attributed to drug use, which can include corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, and other medications that may compromise blood flow to the bone. The right humerus is the specific site affected, which can lead to significant pain, limited range of motion, and potential joint dysfunction. Patients may present with symptoms such as shoulder pain, swelling, and difficulty in performing daily activities. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as MRI or X-rays to assess the extent of bone damage. Treatment options may include medication adjustments, physical therapy, or surgical interventions such as core decompression or joint replacement, depending on the severity of the condition. Understanding the underlying cause, particularly the role of pharmacological agents, is crucial for effective management and prevention of further complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires knowledge of drug-induced conditions and their effects on bone health.
  • Differentiating between osteonecrosis and other bone pathologies.
  • Need for precise documentation of drug history and related medical conditions.
  • Potential for multiple codes if other complications or conditions are present.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of drug history.
  • Failure to specify the affected site accurately.
  • Misclassification of osteonecrosis as osteomyelitis or other conditions.
  • Lack of supporting imaging studies in the medical record.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of medication use, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with shoulder pain and a history of corticosteroid use.

Billing Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the extent of bone damage and any surgical interventions performed.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive medication history, including duration and dosage of drugs that may cause osteonecrosis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with autoimmune disorders on long-term corticosteroid therapy presenting with joint pain.

Billing Considerations

Rheumatologists should consider the overall management of the patient's underlying condition while addressing osteonecrosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.121 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, M87
  • 121 should be used when osteonecrosis is specifically due to drug use and the right humerus is affected
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the etiology is clearly linked to drug exposure
  • related factors

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.121 When
  • Exclusion criteria include cases where osteonecrosis is due to trauma or other non

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

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

Clinical Scenario

Used for pain management in patients with osteonecrosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure and the patient's response.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists may perform this procedure to alleviate symptoms.

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 osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of drug-related complications and improving patient care through targeted interventions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of drug-related complications and improving patient care through targeted interventions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of drug-related complications and improving patient care through targeted interventions.

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 primary cause of osteonecrosis in this code?

The primary cause of osteonecrosis in this code is drug use, particularly medications like corticosteroids that can impair blood supply to the bone.