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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.144

M87.144

Billable

Osteonecrosis due to drugs, right finger(s)

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.144 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteonecrosis due to drugs, right finger(s).

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 M87.144, the osteonecrosis is specifically attributed to drug use, which can include corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, or other medications that may compromise blood flow to the bone. This condition can lead to severe pain, limited mobility, and potential joint collapse, particularly in the small bones of the fingers. The right finger(s) designation indicates that the pathology is localized to the bones of the right hand, which may affect the patient's ability to perform daily activities. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as MRI or X-rays to assess bone integrity and identify areas of necrosis. Treatment options may include medication adjustments, physical therapy, or surgical interventions such as core decompression or joint replacement, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health status.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of drug-related osteonecrosis versus other types.
  • Need for precise documentation of drug history and dosage.
  • Differentiation from similar conditions like osteomyelitis.
  • Potential for multiple affected sites complicating coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of drug history.
  • Failure to specify the affected finger(s).
  • Misclassification of osteonecrosis as osteomyelitis.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of medication use, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with pain in the fingers after corticosteroid treatment.

Billing Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the extent of necrosis and any surgical interventions performed.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive medication history and assessment of underlying conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with autoimmune disorders receiving long-term steroid therapy.

Billing Considerations

Rheumatologists should note the impact of systemic diseases on bone health.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.144 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M87
  • 144 should be used when osteonecrosis is specifically due to drug use and localized to the right finger(s)
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the specific drug(s) implicated are noted

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.144 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 joint involved and the reason for the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should note the patient's history of osteonecrosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding conditions like osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of drug-related complications and improving patient care through targeted treatment plans.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding conditions like osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of drug-related complications and improving patient care through targeted treatment plans.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding conditions like osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of drug-related complications and improving patient care through targeted treatment plans.

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 osteonecrosis in this code?

The primary cause of osteonecrosis in this code is drug use, particularly medications that impair blood flow to the bone, such as corticosteroids.