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 CodesM87.256

M87.256

Billable

Osteonecrosis due to previous trauma, unspecified femur

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.256 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteonecrosis due to previous trauma, unspecified femur.

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 M87.256, the osteonecrosis is specifically attributed to previous trauma affecting the femur, although the exact location within the femur is unspecified. This condition can arise after fractures, dislocations, or other traumatic injuries that compromise the blood supply to the bone. The femur, being the longest and one of the most weight-bearing bones in the body, is particularly susceptible to complications from trauma. Symptoms may include pain in the hip or knee, limited range of motion, and eventual joint dysfunction. If left untreated, osteonecrosis can lead to joint collapse and severe arthritis, necessitating surgical interventions such as joint replacement. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies like MRI or X-rays to assess bone integrity and blood flow. Treatment options may vary from conservative management, including pain relief and physical therapy, to surgical procedures aimed at restoring blood flow or joint function.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of trauma history and its impact on bone health.
  • Differentiation from other forms of osteonecrosis.
  • Need for precise documentation of trauma history.
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions affecting bone health.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of trauma history.
  • Failure to specify the location of osteonecrosis.
  • Misinterpretation of imaging results.
  • Inconsistent clinical findings reported.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed trauma history, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-traumatic osteonecrosis following hip fractures or dislocations.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of the trauma mechanism and subsequent treatment interventions.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments and rehabilitation progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation following surgical intervention for osteonecrosis.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the impact of osteonecrosis on functional mobility and quality of life.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.256 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding osteonecrosis, ensuring accurate documentation of trauma history and specifying the affected site

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.256 When
  • Exclude codes for osteonecrosis due to other causes unless specified

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27130CPT Code

Total hip arthroplasty

Clinical Scenario

Performed for severe osteonecrosis of the femur.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic documentation must include pre-operative assessments and post-operative care plans.

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. M87.256 provides granularity in capturing trauma-related cases, which was less defined in ICD-9.

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. M87.256 provides granularity in capturing trauma-related cases, which was less defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. M87.256 provides granularity in capturing trauma-related cases, which was less defined in ICD-9.

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 M87.256?

The primary cause is previous trauma that disrupts blood supply to the femur, leading to bone tissue death.