M87.859
BillableOther osteonecrosis, unspecified 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 thighbone (femur) when the specific side (left or right) is not documented or specified.
Coding Tips
- •Use only when laterality cannot be determined; attempt to query provider for clarification
- •Review imaging studies which typically indicate side-specific femoral involvement
Clinical Significance
Unspecified femur osteonecrosis represents a serious condition with high potential for disability and complex care requirements. This diagnosis is significant for risk adjustment as it indicates a condition that frequently requires major surgical intervention and has substantial impact on mobility and functional independence.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of osteonecrosis affecting the femur 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
- ✓Advanced imaging confirming femoral bone necrosis
- ✓Clinical symptoms including hip pain, mobility limitation, and functional impairment
- ✓Exclusion of infectious or drug-induced causes
- ✓Assessment of disease stage and impact on weight-bearing function
- ✓Provider documentation of treatment complexity and surgical planning
Commonly Confused Codes
M87.059 — Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of unspecified femur - specifically idiopathic causeM87.851/M87.852 — Other osteonecrosis of right/left femur - when laterality is actually documentedM86.859 — Other osteomyelitis, unspecified femur - infectious condition rather than necrosisS72.009A — Fracture of unspecified part of neck of unspecified femur - acute trauma rather than chronic conditionM25.559 — Pain in unspecified hip - symptom rather than specific bone pathology
Code Hierarchy
└M87Osteonecrosis└M87.8Other osteonecrosis└M87.85Other osteonecrosis, pelvis and femur└M87.859Other osteonecrosis, unspecified femur
└M87.859Other osteonecrosis, unspecified femur