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 CodesM87.166

M87.166

Billable

Osteonecrosis due to drugs, unspecified fibula

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.166 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteonecrosis due to drugs, unspecified fibula.

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 M87.166, 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 fibula, a long bone located in the lower leg, is affected in this instance, although the specific site of necrosis is unspecified. Patients may present with pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the affected limb. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as MRI or X-rays, which can reveal changes in bone density and structure. Treatment options may include medication adjustments, physical therapy, or surgical interventions such as bone grafting or joint replacement, depending on the severity of the condition. Understanding the underlying causes and appropriate management strategies is crucial for preventing further complications, including potential fractures or chronic pain.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between drug-induced osteonecrosis and other types of osteonecrosis.
  • Identifying the specific drugs responsible for the condition.
  • Documenting the clinical presentation and imaging findings accurately.
  • Understanding the implications of unspecified site coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of drug history.
  • Failure to specify the affected site when possible.
  • Misclassification of osteonecrosis as osteomyelitis.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with lower leg pain after corticosteroid therapy.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the relationship between drug use and osteonecrosis is clearly established.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive medication history, including dosage and duration of use.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with autoimmune disorders on long-term steroid therapy developing bone pain.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of alternative diagnoses and the impact of systemic disease on bone health.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.166 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M87
  • 166 should be used when osteonecrosis is confirmed to be drug
  • induced and the specific site is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.166 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 for pain management in osteonecrosis cases.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved and the reason for the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists may perform this procedure for symptomatic relief.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, including the ability to identify drug-induced cases, which aids in better tracking and management of this condition.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, including the ability to identify drug-induced cases, which aids in better tracking and management of this condition.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, including the ability to identify drug-induced cases, which aids in better tracking and management of this condition.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Osteonecrosis Overview

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Osteonecrosis Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary cause of osteonecrosis in this code?

The primary cause of osteonecrosis in M87.166 is attributed to drug use, particularly medications that impair blood flow to the bone.