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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.235

M87.235

Billable

Osteonecrosis due to previous trauma of left ulna

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.235 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteonecrosis due to previous trauma of left ulna.

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 M87.235, the osteonecrosis is specifically attributed to previous trauma affecting the left ulna. This condition can arise following fractures, dislocations, or other traumatic injuries that compromise the vascular supply to the bone. The ulna, one of the two long bones in the forearm, can suffer from osteonecrosis due to its anatomical position and the potential for injury during falls or accidents. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected area. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to assess the extent of bone damage and to rule out other conditions such as osteomyelitis or bone infections. Treatment options may vary from conservative management, including pain relief and physical therapy, to surgical interventions like bone grafting or joint replacement in severe cases. Understanding the underlying cause of osteonecrosis is crucial for effective management and prevention of further complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of the relationship between trauma and osteonecrosis.
  • Differentiation from other bone conditions such as osteomyelitis.
  • Need for precise documentation of prior trauma.
  • Potential for multiple codes if associated conditions are present.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of prior trauma.
  • Misclassification of osteonecrosis as osteomyelitis.
  • Failure to document associated symptoms or treatments.
  • Inconsistent coding of bilateral conditions.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of trauma, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures leading to osteonecrosis, post-surgical complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the mechanism of injury and follow-up care.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Clear imaging reports indicating the presence of osteonecrosis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

MRI findings of avascular necrosis in patients with a history of trauma.

Billing Considerations

Accurate interpretation of imaging studies is crucial for coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.235 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, M87
  • 235 should be used when osteonecrosis is directly linked to prior trauma
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated conditions are coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.235 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 osteonecrosis cases.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure and any imaging findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists often perform this procedure.

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 accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M87.235 provides a clear link between trauma and the resulting condition, which is essential for effective treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M87.235 provides a clear link between trauma and the resulting condition, which is essential for effective treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. M87.235 provides a clear link between trauma and the resulting condition, which is essential for effective 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 is the primary cause of osteonecrosis in M87.235?

The primary cause of osteonecrosis in this code is previous trauma to the left ulna, which disrupts blood supply to the bone.