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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.29

M87.29

Billable

Osteonecrosis due to previous trauma, multiple sites

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.29 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteonecrosis due to previous trauma, multiple sites.

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. When this condition occurs due to previous trauma, it can affect multiple sites in the body, leading to significant orthopedic complications. Trauma can disrupt the blood supply to the bone, resulting in ischemia and subsequent necrosis. Patients may present with joint pain, limited range of motion, and swelling, often requiring imaging studies such as MRI or X-rays for diagnosis. The condition can lead to severe complications, including joint collapse and osteoarthritis, necessitating surgical interventions such as joint replacement or bone grafting. Management may also involve pain control, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement, as osteonecrosis can mimic other conditions like osteomyelitis or bone infections, complicating the clinical picture.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between osteonecrosis and osteomyelitis
  • Identifying multiple sites of involvement
  • Documenting previous trauma accurately
  • Understanding the implications of coexisting conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of trauma history
  • Failure to specify multiple sites affected
  • Misclassification with osteomyelitis codes
  • 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 joint pain after trauma, requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all affected sites are documented and treatment rationale is clear.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Clear imaging reports indicating the extent of osteonecrosis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Imaging studies performed to assess bone viability post-trauma.

Billing Considerations

Accurate interpretation of imaging findings is crucial for coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.29 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding osteonecrosis, ensuring to document the cause (previous trauma) and the number of sites affected

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.29 When
  • Exclude codes for osteomyelitis unless there is clear evidence of infection

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 joint involved and the reason for the procedure.

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 specific coding of osteonecrosis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. M87.29 provides a clear distinction for cases involving multiple sites due to trauma.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. M87.29 provides a clear distinction for cases involving multiple sites due to trauma.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance.

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 coding and treatment.