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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.238

M87.238

Billable

Osteonecrosis due to previous trauma of left carpus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.238 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteonecrosis due to previous trauma of left 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 M87.238, the osteonecrosis is specifically attributed to previous trauma sustained in the left carpus, which is the group of eight small bones located in the wrist. Trauma can disrupt the blood supply to the bone, leading to ischemia and subsequent necrosis. Symptoms often include pain, limited range of motion, and swelling in the affected area. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to assess the extent of bone damage. Treatment options may vary from conservative management, including pain relief and physical therapy, to surgical interventions like 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, such as osteomyelitis or chronic pain syndromes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

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

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of prior trauma.
  • Failure to specify the anatomical location.
  • Misclassification of osteonecrosis type.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with wrist pain following a fracture or dislocation.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the mechanism of injury and any prior treatments.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments and rehabilitation plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation post-surgery for osteonecrosis.

Billing Considerations

Document progress and response to therapy to support ongoing treatment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.238 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the cause of osteonecrosis and the specific anatomical site
  • Include any relevant imaging or diagnostic tests that support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.238 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 indication for the procedure and any imaging results.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure clear linkage between the procedure and the diagnosis.

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 and manage this condition effectively. M87.238 provides a clear link between trauma and the resulting osteonecrosis, which is crucial for treatment planning and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, improving the ability to track and manage this condition effectively. M87.238 provides a clear link between trauma and the resulting osteonecrosis, which is crucial for treatment planning and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 M87.238 is previous trauma to the left carpus, which disrupts blood flow to the bone.