M87.835
BillableOther osteonecrosis of left ulna
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 left ulna (smaller forearm bone) due to causes other than trauma or infection, leading to bone deterioration and potential collapse.
Coding Tips
- •Ensure left side is explicitly documented to differentiate from right-sided osteonecrosis
- •Review imaging reports to confirm the diagnosis and location of necrotic bone
Clinical Significance
Left ulna osteonecrosis is a chronic bone condition that can significantly impact forearm function and elbow stability. This diagnosis is clinically important for risk adjustment as it represents a complex orthopedic condition requiring specialized care, monitoring, and potential surgical intervention.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Clear specification of the left ulna as the site of osteonecrosis
- ✓Documentation that the condition results from causes other than idiopathic or drug-related
- ✓Imaging confirmation (MRI, X-ray, bone scan) showing ulnar bone necrosis
- ✓Clinical symptoms including forearm pain, elbow dysfunction, or range of motion limitations
- ✓Exclusion of infectious or traumatic etiologies
- ✓Assessment of functional impact on arm use and daily activities
- ✓Documentation of any predisposing conditions or risk factors
- ✓Provider assessment of treatment needs and disease monitoring requirements
Commonly Confused Codes
M87.035 — Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of left ulna - specifically idiopathic causeM87.036 — Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of unspecified ulna - different cause and lacks lateralityM86.835 — Other osteomyelitis, left ulna - infectious condition rather than bone necrosisS52.602A — Unspecified fracture of upper end of left ulna - acute injury rather than chronic necrosisM25.522 — Pain in left elbow - symptom rather than specific bone pathology
Code Hierarchy
└M87Osteonecrosis└M87.8Other osteonecrosis└M87.83Other osteonecrosis of radius, ulna and carpus└M87.835Other osteonecrosis of left ulna
└M87.835Other osteonecrosis of left ulna