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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.171

M87.171

Billable

Osteonecrosis due to drugs, right ankle

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.171 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteonecrosis due to drugs, right ankle.

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 M87.171, the osteonecrosis is specifically attributed to drug use, which can include corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, and other medications known to affect bone health. The right ankle is the affected site, which can lead to significant pain, limited mobility, and potential joint collapse if not managed appropriately. Patients may present with symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, often exacerbated by weight-bearing activities. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as MRI or X-rays to visualize bone changes. Treatment options may include medication adjustments, physical therapy, or surgical interventions like core decompression or joint replacement, depending on the severity of the condition. Understanding the underlying cause, particularly the role of pharmacological agents, is crucial for effective management and prevention of further complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires knowledge of drug-induced conditions and their effects on bone health.
  • Differentiating between osteonecrosis and other bone pathologies.
  • Need for precise documentation of drug history and dosage.
  • Potential for multiple comorbidities affecting the diagnosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of drug history.
  • Failure to specify the affected site accurately.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis.
  • Misclassification of osteonecrosis as osteomyelitis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of medication use, imaging results, and clinical findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with joint pain and a history of corticosteroid use.

Billing Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the extent of bone damage and treatment plans thoroughly.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive medication history, including dosages and duration of use.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with autoimmune disorders on long-term steroid therapy presenting with joint issues.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.171 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M87
  • 171 should be used when osteonecrosis is specifically due to drug use, and the right ankle is the affected site
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the drug
  • related cause is clearly stated

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.171 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 when performing joint injections for pain management in osteonecrosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the injection, the site, and the medication used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists often perform this procedure for symptomatic relief.

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 osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of drug-related complications. This specificity aids in research and quality improvement initiatives.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of drug-related complications. This specificity aids in research and quality improvement initiatives.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and to avoid audits.

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 medications are commonly associated with osteonecrosis?

Common medications include corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, and certain chemotherapy agents. It's important to document any relevant medication history when coding.