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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.042

M87.042

Billable

Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of left hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.042 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of idiopathic aseptic necrosis of left hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of the left hand refers to the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply, specifically affecting the bones in the hand. This condition is termed 'idiopathic' because the exact cause is unknown, although it may be associated with factors such as trauma, corticosteroid use, or excessive alcohol consumption. The necrosis leads to pain, limited mobility, and potential deformity in the affected area. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, and tenderness in the hand, particularly during weight-bearing activities or movement. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, which can reveal changes in bone density and structure indicative of necrosis. Treatment options may include conservative management with pain relief and physical therapy, or surgical interventions such as core decompression or bone grafting in more severe cases. The condition can lead to significant orthopedic complications if not properly managed, including chronic pain and functional impairment of the hand.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between idiopathic and secondary causes of osteonecrosis
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and imaging findings
  • Potential overlap with other bone conditions such as osteomyelitis
  • Variability in treatment approaches and their documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the idiopathic nature of the condition
  • Failure to document imaging results that support the diagnosis
  • Misclassification of the condition as osteomyelitis
  • Lack of detail in treatment plans and follow-up care

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including patient history, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with hand pain and limited mobility, especially post-trauma or with a history of corticosteroid use.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the idiopathic nature and exclusion of other causes of necrosis.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive imaging reports detailing findings consistent with osteonecrosis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Imaging studies requested for patients with unexplained hand pain.

Billing Considerations

Radiologists should provide clear descriptions of bone changes to support the diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.042 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M87
  • 042 should be used when the condition is confirmed as idiopathic and not due to other identifiable causes
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis and treatment plan

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.042 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 necrosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the procedure and the specific joint involved.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure clear linkage between the procedure and the diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like idiopathic aseptic necrosis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like idiopathic aseptic necrosis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 idiopathic aseptic necrosis?

The primary cause is unknown, but it may be associated with factors such as trauma, corticosteroid use, and vascular issues.

How is idiopathic aseptic necrosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation and imaging studies, particularly MRI, which can detect early changes in bone.

What are the treatment options for this condition?

Treatment options range from conservative management, including pain relief and physical therapy, to surgical interventions like core decompression.