Osteonecrosis due to drugs, right hand

This code signifies the death of bone tissue in the right hand resulting from the adverse effects of medication. This condition, also known as avascular necrosis, occurs when blood supply to the bone is disrupted, leading to bone collapse and potential joint destruction.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates osteonecrosis of the right hand and explicitly links its etiology to drug therapy. This typically involves a physician's diagnosis supported by imaging studies (e.g., MRI, X-ray) and a detailed medication history.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "right hand" to support laterality.
• Always code the drug causing the osteonecrosis using an appropriate T36-T50 code, followed by an additional code for adverse effect (T88.7).
• Distinguish from osteonecrosis due to other causes (e.g., trauma, idiopathic) which have different code assignments.