ICD Code M85.9
ICD code M85.9 is used to identify an unspecified disorder affecting bone density and structure in medical records and documentation.
Boost patient experience and your bottom line by automating patient cost estimates, payer underpayment detection, and contract optimization in one place.
What is ICD diagnosis code M85.9
ICD code M85.9 is a diagnosis used when a patient has an abnormality in bone density or structure, but the specific type of disorder is not specified.
When to use ICD code M85.9
1. Patient presents with abnormal bone density or structure identified through imaging studies (e.g., X-ray, DEXA scan)
2. No specific underlying bone disorder (such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, or Paget’s disease) can be definitively diagnosed
3. Clinical symptoms may include unexplained bone pain, increased risk of fractures, or skeletal deformities
4. Laboratory tests and clinical evaluation do not reveal a more specific etiology for the bone abnormality
5. The bone disorder does not fit the criteria for any other specified bone density or structural disorder
6. The diagnosis is based on exclusion after thorough assessment and workup
Billable CPT codes for ICD code M85.9
Relevant CPT codes that may be used to treat ICD code M85.9 include:
- 77080: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bone density study, 1 or more sites; axial skeleton (e.g., hips, pelvis, spine)
- 77081: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bone density study, 1 or more sites; appendicular skeleton (peripheral) (e.g., radius, wrist, heel)
- 20220: Bone biopsy, trocar or needle; superficial
- 20225: Bone biopsy, trocar or needle; deep
- 20680: Removal of implant; deep (e.g., buried wire, pin, screw, metal band, nail, rod or plate)
- 20900: Bone graft, any donor area; minor or small
- 20902: Bone graft, any donor area; major or large
Selection of CPT codes should be based on the specific clinical scenario and services rendered for ICD code M85.9.
Are you being underpaid for encounters with M85.9
See how MD Clarity’s RevFind software can automatically read your payer contracts and identify underpayments for CPT codes associated with ICD code M85.9. Schedule a demo today to ensure you’re capturing the full reimbursement you deserve.
Get paid in full by bringing clarity to your revenue cycle
Related ICD Codes
Subscribe to the

Healthcare Clarified newsletter
Get the latest insights on RCM and healthcare policy in your inbox
