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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.33

M87.33

Billable

Other secondary osteonecrosis of radius, ulna and carpus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.33 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other secondary osteonecrosis of radius, ulna and carpus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M87.33 refers to a specific type of osteonecrosis affecting the radius, ulna, and carpal bones, which occurs as a secondary condition due to various underlying factors. Osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis, is characterized by the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. This condition can lead to bone collapse, severe pain, and functional impairment. Secondary osteonecrosis can arise from multiple causes, including corticosteroid use, alcohol abuse, trauma, or systemic diseases such as lupus or sickle cell disease. The radius and ulna are the two long bones of the forearm, while the carpal bones are a group of eight small bones that make up the wrist. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to assess the extent of bone damage. Treatment options may include conservative management, such as pain relief and physical therapy, or surgical interventions like core decompression or joint replacement, depending on the severity of the condition. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between primary and secondary osteonecrosis
  • Identifying the underlying cause of osteonecrosis
  • Variability in clinical presentation and imaging findings
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of patient history

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause of osteonecrosis
  • Failure to specify the affected bones
  • Misclassification of primary vs. secondary osteonecrosis
  • Lack of imaging reports to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, imaging results, and treatment plans must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with wrist pain, limited range of motion, or history of corticosteroid use.

Billing Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that all relevant imaging studies are included in the documentation to support the diagnosis.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of systemic conditions contributing to osteonecrosis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with autoimmune diseases presenting with joint pain and risk factors for osteonecrosis.

Billing Considerations

Rheumatologists should document the relationship between systemic disease and osteonecrosis clearly.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.33 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • Include any relevant history of trauma, corticosteroid use, or systemic diseases that may contribute to the condition

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.33 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 joint involved and the reason for the procedure.

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 accuracy of diagnosis and treatment planning. M87.33 provides a clear distinction for secondary osteonecrosis, which aids in better patient management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment planning. M87.33 provides a clear distinction for secondary osteonecrosis, which aids in better patient management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment planning. M87.33 provides a clear distinction for secondary osteonecrosis, which aids in better patient management.

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 secondary osteonecrosis?

Common causes include corticosteroid use, alcohol abuse, trauma, and systemic diseases such as lupus and sickle cell disease.