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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.37

M87.37

Billable

Other secondary osteonecrosis, ankle and foot

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.37 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other secondary osteonecrosis, ankle and foot.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M87.37 refers to osteonecrosis that occurs in the ankle and foot due to secondary causes, such as trauma, corticosteroid use, or underlying medical conditions like lupus or sickle cell disease. Osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis, is characterized by the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. In the ankle and foot, this condition can lead to severe pain, limited mobility, and potential joint collapse if not addressed promptly. Patients may present with symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, including X-rays or MRI, to assess the extent of bone damage. Treatment options may include conservative management with pain relief, physical therapy, or surgical interventions such as core decompression or joint replacement, depending on the severity of the condition. Understanding the underlying causes and appropriate management strategies is crucial for effective treatment and recovery.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to osteonecrosis
  • Differentiation from other bone conditions like osteomyelitis
  • Need for precise documentation of secondary causes
  • Potential for multiple co-existing conditions affecting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of secondary causes
  • Misclassification of osteonecrosis as osteomyelitis
  • Failure to document co-existing conditions
  • Inconsistent use of imaging results in documentation

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 chronic pain in the ankle or foot, especially post-trauma or corticosteroid use.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all secondary causes are documented to support the diagnosis.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of underlying systemic conditions contributing to osteonecrosis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with autoimmune diseases presenting with joint pain and history of corticosteroid use.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the relationship between systemic disease and osteonecrosis is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.37 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M87
  • 37 should be used when osteonecrosis is confirmed and attributed to secondary causes
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that all relevant secondary conditions are noted

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.37 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 the patient's response.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure clear documentation of joint involvement.

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 capture the complexity of the condition and its causes, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the condition and its causes, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, improving the ability to capture the complexity of the condition and its causes, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

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 are the common causes of secondary osteonecrosis?

Common causes include trauma, corticosteroid use, alcohol abuse, and certain medical conditions such as lupus and sickle cell disease.