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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.339

M87.339

Billable

Other secondary osteonecrosis of unspecified carpus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.339 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other secondary osteonecrosis of unspecified 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 M87.339, the osteonecrosis is secondary, meaning it arises as a complication of another underlying condition or factor, such as corticosteroid use, alcohol abuse, or certain medical conditions like lupus or sickle cell disease. The carpus, or wrist, is a complex structure composed of multiple small bones, and osteonecrosis in this area can lead to significant pain, limited range of motion, and functional impairment. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as MRI or X-rays to assess bone integrity and blood flow. Treatment options may include conservative management with pain relief and physical therapy, or surgical interventions such as core decompression or joint replacement in severe cases. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between primary and secondary osteonecrosis
  • Identifying the underlying cause of the osteonecrosis
  • Variability in clinical presentation and imaging findings
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of patient history

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause of osteonecrosis
  • Failure to specify the affected carpal bone(s)
  • Misclassification of primary vs. secondary osteonecrosis
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of the patient's condition, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with wrist pain and limited mobility, particularly those with a history of corticosteroid use or other risk factors.

Billing Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that all relevant clinical findings and treatment rationales are documented to support the coding.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of systemic conditions that may contribute to osteonecrosis, including lab results and treatment history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with autoimmune disorders presenting with joint pain and potential osteonecrosis.

Billing Considerations

Rheumatologists should document the relationship between systemic diseases and osteonecrosis to justify the secondary classification.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.339 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M87
  • 339 should be used when the osteonecrosis is secondary and the specific cause is not documented
  • Coders must ensure that the underlying condition is clearly identified in the medical record to support the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.339 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 reason for the procedure, including the patient's pain level and previous 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, enabling better tracking of secondary causes and improving patient management strategies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of secondary causes and improving patient management strategies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of secondary causes and improving patient management strategies.

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 primary and secondary osteonecrosis?

Primary osteonecrosis occurs without an identifiable cause, while secondary osteonecrosis is due to underlying conditions such as trauma, corticosteroid use, or systemic diseases.