Osteitis deformans of unspecified upper arm

This code signifies Paget's disease affecting an unspecified upper arm. It represents a chronic bone disorder characterized by abnormal bone remodeling, leading to enlarged, weakened, and deformed bones in the humerus, without further specification of laterality.

Use this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of Paget's disease (osteitis deformans) specifically located in the upper arm, and the medical record does not specify whether it's the right or left upper arm. This code is appropriate when the physician explicitly states "unspecified upper arm" or when laterality cannot be determined from the available clinical notes.

• Ensure the documentation clearly identifies the affected bone as the humerus (upper arm) and specifies Paget's disease.
• Avoid using this code if laterality (right or left) is documented; instead, choose the more specific M88.821 or M88.822.
• Always review the entire medical record for any indication of laterality before defaulting to an "unspecified" code.