M87.829
BillableOther osteonecrosis, unspecified humerus
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 92 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis
0.209V24HCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis
0.482ESRDHCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis
0.000RxHCCHCC 80 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis
0.000What This Code Means
Death of bone tissue in the upper arm bone (humerus) from causes other than typical classified causes, where the specific side is not identified.
Coding Tips
- •Use only when laterality is not documented or cannot be determined
- •Always attempt to clarify whether the right or left humerus is affected for more specific coding
Clinical Significance
Other osteonecrosis of the humerus represents a serious bone condition that can lead to joint collapse, chronic pain, and functional disability. This diagnosis is significant for risk adjustment as it indicates a chronic condition requiring ongoing orthopedic care, potential surgical intervention, and long-term monitoring for complications.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Clear identification of osteonecrosis affecting the humerus
- ✓Documentation that the cause is not trauma-related or infectious
- ✓Specification that laterality (right or left) is unspecified or unknown
- ✓Evidence from imaging studies (MRI, X-ray, CT scan) confirming bone necrosis
- ✓Clinical symptoms such as pain, limited range of motion, or functional impairment
- ✓Exclusion of other specific causes of osteonecrosis (drug-induced, alcohol-related, etc.)
- ✓Provider assessment of the extent and severity of bone involvement
- ✓Documentation of any underlying conditions contributing to osteonecrosis
Commonly Confused Codes
M87.20 — Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of unspecified bone - lacks specificity to humerus and causationM87.021/M87.022 — Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of right/left humerus - specifically idiopathic rather than other causesM86.40 — Chronic osteomyelitis with draining sinus, unspecified site - represents infection rather than necrosisM84.40 — Pathological fracture, unspecified site - represents fracture rather than necrosisS42.20 — Fracture of upper end of humerus - represents acute trauma rather than chronic necrosis
Code Hierarchy
└M87Osteonecrosis└M87.8Other osteonecrosis└M87.82Other osteonecrosis, humerus└M87.829Other osteonecrosis, unspecified humerus
└M87.829Other osteonecrosis, unspecified humerus