M87.842
BillableOther osteonecrosis, left hand
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 hand due to loss of blood supply, not caused by trauma or other specified conditions.
Coding Tips
- •Verify documentation specifies 'left hand' to distinguish from bilateral or unspecified cases
- •Investigate the underlying cause (idiopathic, radiation, corticosteroid use) as it may require additional coding
Clinical Significance
Left hand osteonecrosis represents a serious condition affecting the metacarpal and phalangeal bones, with potential for significant functional disability. This diagnosis is important for risk adjustment as it indicates complex orthopedic care needs and may require specialized surgical intervention, particularly impactful if affecting the dominant hand.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Clear specification of left hand bones affected by osteonecrosis
- ✓Documentation that the condition results from causes other than idiopathic or drug-related
- ✓Imaging evidence (MRI, CT, X-ray) confirming left hand bone necrosis
- ✓Clinical symptoms including left hand pain, stiffness, and functional limitations
- ✓Exclusion of infectious or traumatic etiologies
- ✓Assessment of impact on hand dominance and daily activities
- ✓Documentation of any predisposing conditions or risk factors
- ✓Provider evaluation of treatment complexity and rehabilitation needs
Commonly Confused Codes
M87.042 — Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of left hand - specifically idiopathic causeM87.043 — Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of unspecified hand - different etiology and lacks lateralityM86.842 — Other osteomyelitis, left hand - infectious condition rather than bone necrosisS62.302A — Unspecified fracture of fifth metacarpal bone, left hand - acute injury rather than chronic necrosisM25.542 — Pain in joints of left hand - symptom code rather than specific bone pathology
Code Hierarchy
└M87Osteonecrosis└M87.8Other osteonecrosis└M87.84Other osteonecrosis, hand and fingers└M87.842Other osteonecrosis, left hand
└M87.842Other osteonecrosis, left hand