ICD-10 Coding for Avascular Necrosis(M87.0, M87.1)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Avascular Necrosis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Avascular Necrosis
M87.0-M87.9Primary Range
Osteonecrosis
This range includes all types of avascular necrosis, categorized by etiology and site.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M87.0 | Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of bone | Use when AVN is confirmed idiopathic without trauma or drug etiology. |
|
| M87.1 | Osteonecrosis due to drugs | Use when AVN is linked to drug use, such as corticosteroids. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for avascular necrosis
Essential facts and insights about Avascular Necrosis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for avascular necrosis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed AVN without trauma or drug etiology.
Applicable To
- Idiopathic osteonecrosis
Excludes
- Traumatic osteonecrosis (M87.2)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- MRI showing subchondral collapse
- No history of trauma or drug use
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if etiology is not properly documented.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies idiopathic nature to avoid incorrect coding.
M87.1 - Osteonecrosis due to drugs
Use when AVN is linked to drug use, such as corticosteroids.
Applicable To
- Drug-induced osteonecrosis
Excludes
- Idiopathic osteonecrosis (M87.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented steroid or alcohol use
- Imaging correlation with drug use
Coding Notes
Ensure drug use is clearly linked to AVN in documentation.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Long-term (current) use of corticosteroids
Z79.52Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Avascular Necrosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M87.0.
Impact
Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials
Mitigation Strategy
Thorough patient history, Link drug use to AVN in notes
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify laterality if confirmed by imaging.
Impact
Using unspecified codes when laterality is documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Always use specific codes when laterality is known.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Avascular Necrosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Avascular Necrosis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Avascular Necrosis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Orthopedic evaluation for AVN
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Patient history including drug use
- Imaging results
- Stage of AVN
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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