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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.20

M87.20

Billable

Osteonecrosis due to previous trauma, unspecified bone

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteonecrosis due to previous trauma, unspecified bone.

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 M87.20, the osteonecrosis is attributed to previous trauma, which can include fractures, dislocations, or other injuries that compromise the blood supply to the bone. This condition can lead to severe pain, limited mobility, and eventual joint collapse if not addressed. The unspecified bone designation indicates that the specific location of the osteonecrosis is not documented, which can complicate treatment and management. Clinically, patients may present with joint pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to assess the extent of bone damage. Treatment options may include conservative management, such as pain relief and physical therapy, or surgical interventions like core decompression or joint replacement, depending on the severity of the condition. Understanding the nuances of osteonecrosis due to trauma is crucial for accurate coding and effective patient management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified bone location complicates treatment planning.
  • Requires differentiation from other bone conditions like osteomyelitis.
  • Documentation must clearly link trauma to osteonecrosis.
  • Potential for multiple treatment options increases coding complexity.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation linking trauma to osteonecrosis.
  • Failure to specify the bone involved may trigger audits.
  • Misclassification with osteomyelitis or other bone diseases.
  • Lack of imaging documentation to support diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of trauma, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-traumatic osteonecrosis following hip fractures or knee injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear linkage between trauma and osteonecrosis in documentation.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive imaging reports detailing bone condition.

Common Clinical Scenarios

MRI findings indicating avascular necrosis post-trauma.

Billing Considerations

Accurate imaging interpretation is crucial for supporting the diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.20 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the documentation supports the diagnosis of osteonecrosis due to trauma
  • Include details on the mechanism of injury and any imaging studies performed

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.20 When
  • Exclude conditions that do not meet the criteria for osteonecrosis

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 osteonecrosis cases.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the procedure and the joint involved.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists often perform this procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding osteonecrosis, improving the ability to track and manage this condition. M87.20 provides a framework for identifying cases related to trauma, which can enhance treatment planning and outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding osteonecrosis, improving the ability to track and manage this condition. M87.20 provides a framework for identifying cases related to trauma, which can enhance treatment planning and outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding osteonecrosis, improving the ability to track and manage this condition. M87.20 provides a framework for identifying cases related to trauma, which can enhance treatment planning and outcomes.

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 osteonecrosis and osteomyelitis?

Osteonecrosis is the death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply, while osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment.