M87.852
BillableOther osteonecrosis, left 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 left thighbone (femur) due to interrupted blood supply, commonly affecting the femoral head.
Coding Tips
- •Confirm left-sided femoral involvement in documentation and imaging reports
- •Document the stage of osteonecrosis if available, as it may affect treatment planning
Clinical Significance
Left femur osteonecrosis represents a serious condition with potential for femoral head collapse and severe disability. This diagnosis is critically important for risk adjustment as it often requires major orthopedic intervention, extensive rehabilitation, and may result in permanent mobility limitations affecting quality of life and independence.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Clear specification of the left femur as the site of osteonecrosis
- ✓Documentation that the condition results from causes other than idiopathic or drug-related
- ✓High-quality imaging (MRI, CT) confirming left femoral bone necrosis
- ✓Clinical presentation including left hip pain, functional limitation, and gait abnormalities
- ✓Exclusion of infectious or traumatic etiologies
- ✓Assessment of disease progression and femoral head integrity
- ✓Documentation of impact on weight-bearing and mobility
- ✓Provider evaluation of treatment options including joint replacement considerations
Commonly Confused Codes
M87.052 — Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of left femur - specifically idiopathic etiologyM87.059 — Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of unspecified femur - different cause and lacks lateralityM86.852 — Other osteomyelitis, left femur - infectious bone disease rather than necrosisS72.002A — Fracture of unspecified part of neck of left femur - acute injury rather than chronic necrosisM25.552 — Pain in left hip - symptom rather than specific bone pathology