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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.159

M87.159

Billable

Osteonecrosis due to drugs, unspecified femur

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.159 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteonecrosis due to drugs, unspecified femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Osteonecrosis due to drugs, particularly affecting the femur, is a condition characterized by the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply, often precipitated by the use of certain medications. Commonly implicated drugs include corticosteroids and bisphosphonates, which can disrupt normal bone remodeling and lead to localized bone death. The femur, being a weight-bearing bone, is particularly susceptible to this condition, resulting in pain, limited mobility, and potential joint dysfunction. Patients may present with symptoms such as hip pain, limping, and decreased range of motion. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as MRI or X-rays, which can reveal changes in bone density and structure. Early detection is crucial to prevent further complications, including the risk of fracture and the need for surgical intervention. Treatment options may include medication adjustments, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgical procedures such as core decompression or joint replacement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of drugs that can cause osteonecrosis
  • Need for precise documentation of drug history
  • Differentiation from other types of bone necrosis
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of drug history
  • Failure to specify the affected site
  • Misclassification with other types of osteonecrosis
  • Lack of imaging results in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of medication use, imaging results, and clinical findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging studies are included in the documentation.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive medication history, including dosage and duration of use.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Document any underlying conditions that may contribute to osteonecrosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.159 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 guidelines for coding osteonecrosis, ensuring to document the specific drug implicated and the affected site

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.159 When
  • Exclude codes for osteomyelitis unless there is a clear infectious component

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

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

Clinical Scenario

Used for joint pain management in patients with osteonecrosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the procedure and any imaging findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure that the procedure is justified based on clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, improving the ability to track drug-related cases and their outcomes. This specificity aids in research and treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, improving the ability to track drug-related cases and their outcomes. This specificity aids in research and treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, improving the ability to track drug-related cases and their outcomes. This specificity aids in research and treatment planning.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common medications that can lead to osteonecrosis?

Common medications include corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, and certain chemotherapy agents. It's important to document any relevant medication history when coding.