M87.336

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

Death of bone tissue in the forearm bone (ulna) caused by an underlying condition or injury when the specific side is not documented or applicable.

Coding Tips

• •Use this code only when laterality cannot be determined from documentation; attempt to clarify with provider if possible
• •This is a less specific code; bilateral involvement would require separate codes for each side

Clinical Significance

Unspecified ulna secondary osteonecrosis represents bone death from identifiable non-traumatic causes when laterality cannot be determined. This condition affects forearm stability and requires comprehensive management addressing both the underlying cause and bone pathology.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Documentation of underlying secondary cause of osteonecrosis
• ✓Imaging evidence of ulnar osteonecrosis without specified side
• ✓Clinical findings consistent with ulnar dysfunction
• ✓Documentation explaining why laterality is unspecified
• ✓History of predisposing factors for secondary osteonecrosis
• ✓Exclusion of traumatic and idiopathic causes
• ✓Provider assessment of secondary nature
• ✓Evidence of bone death through appropriate studies

Commonly Confused Codes