M87.836
BillableOther osteonecrosis of unspecified 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 ulna (smaller forearm bone) when the specific side (left or right) is not documented or is unclear.
Coding Tips
- •This is a default code when laterality is not specified; attempt to clarify with provider documentation
- •Check if bilateral osteonecrosis is present, which would require separate codes for each side
Clinical Significance
Unspecified ulna osteonecrosis represents a chronic bone condition with potential for significant functional disability and ongoing care requirements. This diagnosis is important for risk adjustment as it indicates complex orthopedic management needs and the potential for progressive bone deterioration.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of osteonecrosis affecting the ulna bone
- ✓Specification that the condition is from causes other than idiopathic or traumatic
- ✓Evidence that laterality (right or left) is not specified or cannot be determined
- ✓Imaging studies confirming bone necrosis in the ulna
- ✓Clinical presentation including forearm or elbow pain and functional impairment
- ✓Exclusion of infectious or drug-induced causes
- ✓Assessment of impact on arm function and quality of life
- ✓Provider documentation of monitoring and treatment plans
Commonly Confused Codes
M87.036 — Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of unspecified ulna - specifically idiopathic etiologyM87.834/M87.835 — Other osteonecrosis of right/left ulna - when laterality is actually documentedM86.839 — Other osteomyelitis, unspecified ulna - infectious bone disease rather than necrosisS52.609A — Unspecified fracture of upper end of unspecified ulna - acute trauma rather than chronic conditionM25.529 — Pain in unspecified elbow - symptom code rather than specific bone pathology
Code Hierarchy
└M87Osteonecrosis└M87.8Other osteonecrosis└M87.83Other osteonecrosis of radius, ulna and carpus└M87.836Other osteonecrosis of unspecified ulna
└M87.836Other osteonecrosis of unspecified ulna