M87.339

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

Death of bone tissue in the wrist bones (carpus) caused by an underlying condition or injury when the specific side is not documented.

Coding Tips

• •This unspecified code should be avoided when possible; query provider for laterality documentation
• •Use only when bilateral involvement exists or laterality truly cannot be determined

Clinical Significance

Unspecified carpus secondary osteonecrosis indicates bone death in the wrist bones from identifiable non-traumatic causes when laterality cannot be determined. This condition significantly affects wrist mechanics and requires management of both the underlying cause and bone pathology.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Documentation of underlying secondary cause of osteonecrosis
• ✓Imaging evidence of carpal osteonecrosis without specified side
• ✓Clinical findings showing wrist dysfunction
• ✓Documentation explaining why laterality is unspecified
• ✓History of risk factors for secondary osteonecrosis
• ✓Exclusion of traumatic and idiopathic causes
• ✓Provider assessment of secondary nature
• ✓Evidence of compromised bone viability in carpus

Commonly Confused Codes