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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.172

M87.172

Billable

Osteonecrosis due to drugs, left ankle

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.172 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteonecrosis due to drugs, left 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 M87.172, the osteonecrosis is specifically attributed to drug use, which can include corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, or other medications that may compromise blood flow to the bone. The left 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 assess bone integrity and identify necrotic areas. 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 and the extent of bone damage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between osteonecrosis due to drugs and other causes of osteonecrosis.
  • Understanding the specific medications that can lead to this condition.
  • Documenting the exact location and extent of the osteonecrosis.
  • Navigating the potential for co-morbid conditions that may complicate coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of drug history leading to osteonecrosis.
  • Failure to specify the affected anatomical site.
  • Misclassification of osteonecrosis as osteomyelitis.
  • Lack of supporting imaging studies in the medical record.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must ensure that the diagnosis is clearly linked to the treatment provided, especially if surgical intervention is planned.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of underlying conditions and medication history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Rheumatologists should document the rationale for medication use and any potential side effects leading to osteonecrosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.172 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M87
  • 172 should be used when osteonecrosis is specifically due to drug use and affects the left ankle
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the drug
  • related cause is clearly stated

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.172 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 indication for the procedure and the specific joint involved.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure that the procedure is justified based on the patient's condition.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, including the ability to specify drug-related causes and affected anatomical sites, which enhances the accuracy of medical records and billing.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, including the ability to specify drug-related causes and affected anatomical sites, which enhances the accuracy of medical records and billing.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing.

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 drug-induced osteonecrosis?

Common medications include corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, and certain chemotherapy agents. It is essential to document any relevant medication history when coding M87.172.