M81.0 Diagnosis Code – Age-Related Osteoporosis Without Current Pathological Fracture

ICD-10-CM Code M81.0 refers to age-related osteoporosis without current pathological fracture.
It is a billable diagnosis code used for clinical documentation and insurance reimbursement.
Commonly applies to postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis cases where no fracture is present.
Risk factors include aging, hormonal changes, family history, low body weight, and certain medications.
Not limited by age, but most often used in older adults, especially postmenopausal women.
Related ICD-10 codes:
- 8 – Other osteoporosis without current pathological fracture
- M80 series – Osteoporosis with current pathological fracture
Used by primary care physicians, endocrinologists, and rheumatologists for diagnosis, treatment planning, and billing.

Osteoporosis is one of the most common bone-related conditions in aging adults, especially women after menopause. The ICD-10-CM code M81.0 is used to describe age-related osteoporosis without current pathological fracture.

Understanding the M81.0 diagnosis code is essential for healthcare providers, coders, and billing specialists to ensure compliance and correct claim submissions.

What is the M81.0 Diagnosis Code?

The M81.0 ICD-10 code stands for age-related (senile or postmenopausal) osteoporosis without current pathological fracture.

Age-Related: This type of osteoporosis results primarily from the natural aging process.
Without Fracture: The patient has weakened bones but no current pathological fracture at the time of coding.
Billable Code: It is a billable and specific ICD-10-CM diagnosis code, making it acceptable for reimbursement and insurance claims.

M81.0 Diagnosis Code Description

The M81.0 diagnosis code description highlights bone mass loss due to age, resulting in fragile bones prone to fractures. It applies when a patient is diagnosed with osteoporosis but does not present with an active fracture.

Includes: Postmenopausal osteoporosis, senile osteoporosis, involutional osteoporosis.
Excludes: Osteoporosis with pathological fracture (M80 codes).

Clinical Relevance of M81.0

Symptoms of Age-Related Osteoporosis

Gradual bone loss
Stooped posture
Back pain
Loss of height over time

Risk Factors

Increasing age
Female gender (especially postmenopausal women)
Family history of osteoporosis
Smoking and alcohol use
Low calcium or vitamin D intake

M81.0 Diagnosis Code and CPT Code Usage

While M81.0 itself is an ICD-10 diagnosis code, physicians often pair it with related CPT codes for osteoporosis management, such as:

77080 – DXA bone density study (axial skeleton)
77081 – DXA bone density study (peripheral site)
77085 – Bone density study with vertebral fracture assessment

Correct linkage between M81.0 ICD-10 code and appropriate CPT codes ensures smooth reimbursement.

M81.0 Diagnosis Code Age Limit

There is no strict age limit for using M81.0, but it is most commonly applied to older adults and postmenopausal women, as it refers to age-related osteoporosis.

Related ICD-10 Codes

M80.0 – Age-related osteoporosis with current pathological fracture
M81.8 – Other osteoporosis without current pathological fracture
M81.9 – Osteoporosis, unspecified, without fracture

Is M81.0 a Primary Diagnosis Code?

Yes, M81.0 can be used as a primary diagnosis code when age-related osteoporosis without fracture is the main condition treated during the encounter. It may also be used as a secondary diagnosis if osteoporosis is present alongside another primary condition.

Importance for Providers & Billing

For providers, accurate use of M81.0 ensures proper patient records and clinical documentation.
For medical billing teams, it prevents claim denials and ensures compliance with payer guidelines.

Final Thoughts

The M81.0 diagnosis code is essential for documenting age-related osteoporosis without current pathological fracture, particularly in elderly and postmenopausal patients. By correctly applying this ICD-10 code, healthcare providers can improve patient care and ensure accurate reimbursement.

At Express Medical Billing, we specialize in coding and claims management for complex conditions like osteoporosis. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help your practice reduce denials and maximize reimbursements.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always refer to current AMA CPT code guidelines and payer rules before billing.