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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.237

M87.237

Billable

Osteonecrosis due to previous trauma of right carpus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.237 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteonecrosis due to previous trauma of right carpus.

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 M87.237, the osteonecrosis is specifically attributed to previous trauma affecting the right carpus, which is the group of eight small bones located in the wrist. This condition can occur after a fracture or dislocation that disrupts the blood flow to the bone. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the wrist. If left untreated, osteonecrosis can lead to joint collapse and severe arthritis. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to assess the extent of bone damage. Treatment options may include conservative management with pain relief and physical therapy, or surgical interventions such as core decompression or joint replacement, depending on the severity of the condition. Understanding the underlying cause of osteonecrosis is crucial for effective management and prevention of further complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of the relationship between trauma and osteonecrosis.
  • Differentiation from other types of bone necrosis.
  • Need for accurate documentation of prior trauma.
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions affecting the wrist.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of prior trauma.
  • Inconsistent clinical findings in medical records.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis.
  • Failure to document treatment plans and outcomes.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with wrist pain post-injury, requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly link the trauma to the development of osteonecrosis.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Clear imaging reports indicating the presence of osteonecrosis and any associated findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Imaging studies performed on patients with wrist pain to rule out osteonecrosis.

Billing Considerations

Radiologists should ensure that reports specify the cause of osteonecrosis when applicable.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.237 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M87
  • 237 should be used when there is clear documentation of osteonecrosis due to prior trauma
  • It is important to ensure that the trauma is well
  • documented and that other potential causes of osteonecrosis are ruled out

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.237 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 patients with osteonecrosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure and any prior treatments.

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 accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M87.237 provides a clear distinction for trauma-related cases, which aids in clinical research and treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M87.237 provides a clear distinction for trauma-related cases, which aids in clinical research and treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. M87.237 provides a clear distinction for trauma-related cases, which aids in clinical research and treatment planning.

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 M87.237?

The primary cause is previous trauma to the right carpus, which disrupts blood flow to the bone, leading to necrosis.

How can I differentiate M87.237 from other osteonecrosis codes?

M87.237 specifically requires documentation of prior trauma, while other codes may not.