Top 10 ICD-10 codes for osteoporosis in 2021

Which ICD-10 code for osteoporosis had the most diagnoses? 

Code M810, age-related osteoporosis without current pathological fracture, had the most diagnoses with 6,861,904. This code accounted for just over 74% of total osteoporosis diagnoses. Since bone deterioration as a result of the aging process can predispose to osteoporosis, it makes sense that this code topped the list.  

The second code was Z13820, encounter for screening for osteoporosis, with 1,334,154 diagnoses and about 14% of total diagnoses. This ICD-10 code for osteoporosis screening likely had a high number of total diagnoses because physicians recommend osteoporosis screening for all women over age 65. 

The third code was M818, other osteoporosis without current pathological fracture, with 411,180 diagnoses. This code had a lower percentage of total diagnoses at around 4%. 

Throughout the list, there are both ICD-10 codes for osteoporosis with fracture and osteoporosis without fracture.  

Across the top 10 codes, there was an average of 898,013 diagnoses and a total of 8,980,128 diagnoses, which reflect the prevalence of osteoporosis in the U.S. 

What is osteoporosis? 

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become brittle and weak. Specifically, new bone tissue doesn’t replenish fully when the old bone tissue breaks down. Individuals living with osteoporosis are susceptible to bone fractures from various events, such as falls, coughing or bending over.  

While there can be no symptoms in the early stages of osteoporosis, later symptoms of osteoporosis may include: 

• Stooped posture 
• Easily broken bones 
• Back pain 
• Lost height 

Osteoporosis can affect all populations of people. However, Caucasian and Asian women over age 50 are the most at-risk for osteoporosis. 

How is osteoporosis diagnosed? 

Osteoporosis diagnosis typically involves a bone density scan, or DEXA scan, that uses an X-ray. This bone density test evaluates the proportion of minerals in the bones and outputs a t-score. Zero is a normal t-score, and a negative t-score of around -2.5 indicates osteoporosis. 

What treatment options are there for osteoporosis? 

Osteoporosis treatment mainly involves taking medication and modifying risk factors. Risk factors that may be modified include: 

• Insufficient exercise 
• Low body mass 
• Smoking 
• Eating disorders  
• Frequent falls 
• Alcohol 
• Vitamin D deficiency  
• Poor nutrition  

Learn more 

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