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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.252

M87.252

Billable

Osteonecrosis due to previous trauma, left femur

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.252 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteonecrosis due to previous trauma, left femur.

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 M87.252, the osteonecrosis is specifically attributed to previous trauma affecting the left femur. This condition often arises after fractures, dislocations, or other significant injuries that compromise the blood supply to the bone. The left femur, being a weight-bearing bone, is particularly susceptible to the complications of osteonecrosis, which can lead to severe pain, limited mobility, and eventual joint collapse if not addressed promptly. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as hip pain, groin pain, and difficulty bearing weight. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, including X-rays and MRI, which can reveal changes in bone density and structure. 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 and the extent of bone damage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of the relationship between trauma and osteonecrosis.
  • Differentiation from other forms of osteonecrosis not related to trauma.
  • Need for precise documentation of prior trauma history.
  • Potential for overlapping codes with other orthopedic conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of prior trauma.
  • Failure to specify the affected site (left femur).
  • Misclassification of osteonecrosis as osteomyelitis.
  • Lack of imaging results 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 hip pain following a fracture or dislocation.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the timeline between trauma and onset of symptoms.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Imaging reports that clearly indicate the presence of osteonecrosis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

MRI findings showing bone marrow edema in the context of prior trauma.

Billing Considerations

Radiologists should provide detailed descriptions of imaging findings to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.252 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M87
  • 252 should be used when osteonecrosis is specifically due to previous trauma
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the left femur is clearly identified as the affected site

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.252 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27130CPT Code

Total hip arthroplasty

Clinical Scenario

Performed in cases of severe osteonecrosis when conservative treatment fails.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should document the rationale for surgery.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of conditions related to trauma and improving the accuracy of treatment data.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of conditions related to trauma and improving the accuracy of treatment data.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of conditions related to trauma and improving the accuracy of treatment data.

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 M87.252?

The primary cause is previous trauma that disrupts blood supply to the left femur, leading to bone tissue death.