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 CodesM87.179

M87.179

Billable

Osteonecrosis due to drugs, unspecified toe(s)

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.179 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteonecrosis due to drugs, unspecified toe(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 M87.179, the osteonecrosis is specifically attributed to drug use, which can include corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, and other medications that may compromise blood flow to the bones. This condition can lead to severe pain, limited mobility, and potential complications such as fractures or joint collapse. The unspecified nature of the toe(s) indicates that the exact location of the osteonecrosis within the toe region is not specified, which can complicate treatment and management. Clinically, patients may present with localized pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected toe(s), and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI may be required for diagnosis. Treatment options may include medication adjustments, physical therapy, or surgical interventions depending on the severity and progression of the disease. Understanding the implications of drug-induced osteonecrosis is crucial for healthcare providers, as it can significantly impact patient quality of life and necessitate careful monitoring and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in drug-induced osteonecrosis presentations
  • Need for precise documentation of drug history
  • Differentiation from other bone conditions like osteomyelitis
  • Potential for multiple affected sites requiring specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of drug history
  • Failure to specify affected toe(s)
  • Misdiagnosis or confusion with osteomyelitis
  • Lack of imaging documentation to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with pain in the toe(s) after starting corticosteroids or other medications.

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 on long-term corticosteroid therapy developing toe pain.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.179 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M87
  • 179 should be used when osteonecrosis is confirmed to be drug
  • induced and the specific toe(s) affected are not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and imaging studies

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.179 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 indication for the procedure and the specific joint involved.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure that the procedure is justified based on clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, improving the ability to track and manage drug-induced cases. M87.179 provides a clear code for unspecified toe involvement, which aids in data collection and treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, improving the ability to track and manage drug-induced cases. M87.179 provides a clear code for unspecified toe involvement, which aids in data collection and treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, improving the ability to track and manage drug-induced cases. M87.179 provides a clear code for unspecified toe involvement, which aids in data collection and treatment planning.

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 are the common causes of drug-induced osteonecrosis?

Common causes include long-term use of corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, and certain chemotherapy agents, which can impair blood flow to the bones.