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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.372

M87.372

Billable

Other secondary osteonecrosis, left ankle

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.372 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other secondary osteonecrosis, left ankle.

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 M87.372, the osteonecrosis is secondary, meaning it is caused by another underlying condition or factor, such as trauma, corticosteroid use, or excessive alcohol consumption. The left ankle is specifically affected, which can lead to significant pain, limited mobility, and potential complications such as osteomyelitis if the necrotic bone becomes infected. Patients may present with symptoms including joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, which can mimic other orthopedic conditions. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to assess the extent of bone damage. Treatment options may include conservative management with pain relief and physical therapy, or surgical interventions such as core decompression or joint replacement in severe cases. Accurate coding of this condition is crucial 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 the osteonecrosis.
  • Documenting specific anatomical locations accurately.
  • Understanding the relationship between osteonecrosis and potential infections.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause of osteonecrosis.
  • Failure to specify the affected anatomical site.
  • Misclassification of osteonecrosis as osteomyelitis.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports, surgical notes, and history of present illness.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with joint pain and history of corticosteroid use or trauma.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the cause of osteonecrosis and any associated procedures.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive imaging reports detailing findings related to osteonecrosis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Imaging studies performed for patients with suspected osteonecrosis.

Billing Considerations

Accurate interpretation of imaging findings is critical for proper coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.372 When
  • According to the ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, M87
  • 372 should be used when the osteonecrosis is secondary to another condition
  • Coders must ensure that the underlying cause is documented and that the left ankle is specified as the affected site

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.372 When
  • Exclusion criteria include primary osteonecrosis and conditions not related to the left ankle

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 reason for the procedure and the joint involved.

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 diagnoses and treatment plans. M87.372 provides a clear distinction for secondary osteonecrosis, which aids in better patient management and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. M87.372 provides a clear distinction for secondary osteonecrosis, which aids in better patient management and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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.