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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.36

M87.36

Billable

Other secondary osteonecrosis, tibia and fibula

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.36 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other secondary osteonecrosis, tibia and fibula.

Key Diagnostic Point:

M87.36 refers to osteonecrosis of the tibia and fibula that occurs as a secondary condition, often due to factors such as trauma, corticosteroid use, or underlying diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus or sickle cell disease. Osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis, is characterized by the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. In the case of the tibia and fibula, this can lead to significant pain, limited mobility, and potential complications such as fractures or deformities. The condition may present with symptoms including localized pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area, and can be diagnosed through imaging studies such as MRI or X-rays. Treatment options vary based on the severity of the condition and may include conservative management, surgical intervention, or addressing the underlying cause of the osteonecrosis. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between primary and secondary osteonecrosis
  • Identifying the underlying cause of osteonecrosis
  • Documenting associated conditions that may complicate the diagnosis
  • Understanding the specific anatomical location of the osteonecrosis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause of osteonecrosis
  • Failure to specify the affected bone(s)
  • Misclassification of primary vs. secondary osteonecrosis
  • Lack of imaging or clinical evidence to support the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic pain in the lower leg, history of corticosteroid use, or previous trauma.

Billing Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should document the specific location and extent of osteonecrosis, as well as any surgical interventions performed.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Rheumatologists should ensure that the relationship between systemic disease and osteonecrosis is clearly articulated in the documentation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.36 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, M87
  • 36 should be used when osteonecrosis is confirmed as secondary to another condition
  • Coders must ensure that the underlying cause is documented and that the osteonecrosis is specifically located in the tibia and fibula

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.36 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 joint pain management in patients with osteonecrosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, reason for the procedure, and any imaging used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure that the procedure is justified based on the patient's condition.

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 are the common causes of secondary osteonecrosis?

Common causes include corticosteroid use, trauma, alcohol abuse, and certain medical conditions such as lupus or sickle cell disease.