M87.879
BillableOther osteonecrosis, unspecified toe(s)
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 toe(s) of unspecified side due to causes other than trauma, infection, or radiation. This can cause pain and difficulty walking or wearing shoes.
Coding Tips
- •Use this code only when laterality (right vs. left) is not documented; query provider if laterality can be determined
- •This is a less specific code; attempt to obtain laterality information for more precise coding
Clinical Significance
Unspecified toe osteonecrosis represents avascular bone death in toe bones without documented laterality, potentially indicating bilateral involvement or incomplete documentation. This condition can affect gait stability and balance, requiring comprehensive foot care management.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of toe osteonecrosis without side specification
- ✓Bilateral toe assessment if both sides potentially affected
- ✓Exclusion of trauma, infection, and radiation as causes
- ✓Comprehensive gait and balance evaluation
- ✓Pain assessment and functional impact on ambulation
- ✓Underlying disease evaluation (diabetes, peripheral vascular disease)
- ✓Coordinated podiatric and orthopedic care
- ✓Prevention strategies for secondary complications
Commonly Confused Codes
M87.379 — Drug-induced osteonecrosis requires causative medication documentationM87.179 — Traumatic osteonecrosis needs clear injury historyM87.079 — Idiopathic osteonecrosis lacks identifiable underlying etiologyS92.509A — Unspecified toe fracture is acute injuryM20.90 — Unspecified acquired toe deformity is structural, not necrotic
Code Hierarchy
└M87Osteonecrosis└M87.8Other osteonecrosis└M87.87Other osteonecrosis, ankle, foot and toes└M87.879Other osteonecrosis, unspecified toe(s)
└M87.879Other osteonecrosis, unspecified toe(s)