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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.338

M87.338

Billable

Other secondary osteonecrosis of left carpus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.338 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other secondary osteonecrosis of left carpus.

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 M87.338, this specific code refers to secondary osteonecrosis affecting the left carpus, which can occur due to various underlying conditions such as corticosteroid use, alcohol abuse, trauma, or systemic diseases like lupus or sickle cell disease. The carpus, comprising eight small bones in the wrist, is particularly susceptible to osteonecrosis due to its limited blood supply. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the wrist. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to assess bone integrity and blood flow. Treatment options vary based on the severity of the condition and may include conservative management, such as rest and physical therapy, or surgical interventions like core decompression or joint replacement. Understanding the etiology and management of secondary osteonecrosis is crucial for effective treatment and coding.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between primary and secondary osteonecrosis.
  • Identifying the specific underlying cause of osteonecrosis.
  • Documenting the precise location and extent of the condition.
  • Understanding the implications of associated conditions or comorbidities.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause of osteonecrosis.
  • Failure to specify the affected anatomical site accurately.
  • Misclassification of primary versus secondary osteonecrosis.
  • Lack of supporting imaging studies in the medical record.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes outlining the patient's history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with wrist pain, history of corticosteroid use, or previous trauma.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clarity in documenting the cause of osteonecrosis and any associated orthopedic procedures.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of systemic conditions contributing to osteonecrosis, including lab results and treatment history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with autoimmune disorders presenting with joint pain and potential osteonecrosis.

Billing Considerations

Document the relationship between systemic disease and osteonecrosis to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.338 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, M87
  • 338 should be used when the osteonecrosis is secondary to another condition
  • Coders must ensure that the underlying cause is documented and that the left carpus is specified as the affected site

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.338 When
  • Exclusion criteria include primary osteonecrosis and osteomyelitis

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 any imaging performed.

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, enabling better tracking of secondary causes and improving the accuracy of treatment data.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of secondary causes and improving the accuracy of treatment data.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of secondary causes and improving the accuracy of treatment data.

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 difference between primary and secondary osteonecrosis?

Primary osteonecrosis occurs without an identifiable cause, while secondary osteonecrosis is due to underlying conditions such as trauma, corticosteroid use, or systemic diseases.