M87.851
BillableOther osteonecrosis, right femur
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 right thighbone (femur) due to interrupted blood supply, commonly affecting the femoral head.
Coding Tips
- •Femoral head osteonecrosis is the most common site; document whether it involves the head, neck, or shaft
- •Verify right-sided involvement and consider if this is post-traumatic or idiopathic
Clinical Significance
Right femur osteonecrosis is a serious condition that can lead to femoral head collapse and severe hip dysfunction. This diagnosis has significant risk adjustment implications due to the high likelihood of requiring major orthopedic surgery, prolonged rehabilitation, and potential long-term disability affecting mobility and independence.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Specific identification of the right femur as affected by osteonecrosis
- ✓Documentation of causes other than idiopathic or drug-induced osteonecrosis
- ✓Advanced imaging (MRI, CT scan) confirming right femoral bone necrosis
- ✓Clinical symptoms including right hip pain, limited range of motion, and weight-bearing difficulty
- ✓Exclusion of infectious or traumatic causes as primary etiology
- ✓Assessment of impact on ambulation and activities of daily living
- ✓Documentation of disease stage and extent of femoral head involvement
- ✓Provider evaluation of surgical options and prognosis
Commonly Confused Codes
M87.051 — Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of right femur - specifically idiopathic causeM87.059 — Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of unspecified femur - different etiology and lacks lateralityM86.851 — Other osteomyelitis, right femur - infectious condition rather than necrosisS72.001A — Fracture of unspecified part of neck of right femur - acute trauma rather than chronic necrosisM25.551 — Pain in right hip - symptom code rather than specific bone pathology
Code Hierarchy
└M87Osteonecrosis└M87.8Other osteonecrosis└M87.85Other osteonecrosis, pelvis and femur└M87.851Other osteonecrosis, right femur
└M87.851Other osteonecrosis, right femur