ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesQ78.2

Q78.2

Billable

Osteopetrosis

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 Q78.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteopetrosis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Osteopetrosis is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the abnormal density of bones due to defective osteoclast function, leading to excessive accumulation of bone mass. This condition results in brittle bones that are prone to fractures, and it can also cause complications such as nerve compression and hematological issues due to the crowding of bone marrow. Osteopetrosis can present in various forms, including autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive types, with the latter often being more severe. Clinical manifestations may include skeletal deformities, such as scoliosis, limb reduction defects, and hip dysplasia, as well as complications affecting the musculoskeletal system. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, which reveal the characteristic radiological findings of increased bone density. Management may require a multidisciplinary approach, including orthopedic interventions, pain management, and in some cases, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to improve outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of the condition.
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of associated musculoskeletal deformities.
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other congenital conditions.
  • Requirement for genetic testing results to confirm diagnosis in some cases.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings and imaging results.
  • Failure to capture associated congenital malformations.
  • Misclassification of the type of osteopetrosis.
  • Lack of genetic testing documentation when applicable.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Pediatric documentation must include growth parameters, developmental milestones, and detailed descriptions of musculoskeletal deformities.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include a pediatric patient presenting with fractures, scoliosis, or limb deformities requiring orthopedic evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of age-related growth patterns and the impact of osteopetrosis on overall development is essential for accurate coding.

Genetics

Documentation Requirements

Genetic documentation should include family history, results of genetic testing, and any syndromic associations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Scenarios may involve genetic counseling for families with a history of osteopetrosis or related syndromes.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires understanding the genetic basis of the condition and its implications for family members.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use Q78.2 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, congenital conditions like osteopetrosis must be documented with specificity regarding associated malformations and any genetic testing results
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical details are captured to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use Q78.2 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 in cases where joint effusion occurs due to osteopetrosis-related complications.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure and any imaging studies performed.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists may perform this procedure in conjunction with managing osteopetrosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteopetrosis, improving the ability to capture associated conditions and complications, which enhances data accuracy and patient care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteopetrosis, improving the ability to capture associated conditions and complications, which enhances data accuracy and patient care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteopetrosis, improving the ability to capture associated conditions and complications, which enhances data accuracy and patient care.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Osteopetrosis Foundation

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Osteopetrosis Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary cause of osteopetrosis?

Osteopetrosis is primarily caused by genetic mutations that affect the function of osteoclasts, leading to abnormal bone density and structure.