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ICD-10 Coding for ACL Tear Left Knee(S83.512A)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for ACL Tear Left Knee. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear Left KneeLeft Knee ACL Injury

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to ACL Tear Left Knee

S83.51-S83.52Primary Range

Injury of anterior cruciate ligament of knee

This range includes codes for acute and chronic injuries of the ACL, specifically for the left knee.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for ACL tear left knee

Essential facts and insights about ACL Tear Left Knee

The ICD-10 code for an acute ACL tear in the left knee is S83.512A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for acl tear left knee

Sprain of anterior cruciate ligament of left knee, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of acute injury signs and positive Lachman test

coding Criteria

  • Initial encounter for traumatic ACL tear

Applicable To

  • Acute ACL tear of left knee

Excludes

  • Chronic instability of left knee (M23.511)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing complete fiber discontinuity
  • Positive Lachman test with significant translation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with chronic conditions
  • Omission of external cause codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'acute' and 'left knee' to avoid miscoding.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Pain in left knee

M25.562
Use to document associated knee pain, especially if chronic.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Chronic instability of left knee

M23.511
Use for chronic conditions with instability persisting beyond 6 months.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting ACL Tear Left Knee to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S83.512A.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment plan, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify 'left' or 'right' in documentation, Use templates that prompt for laterality

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use S83.512A for acute injuries with documented mechanism and instability.

Impact

Potential for miscoding acute injuries as chronic or vice versa.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on documentation and coding updates.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for ACL Tear Left Knee, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for ACL Tear Left Knee

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for ACL Tear Left Knee. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Initial Evaluation of ACL Tear

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results
  • Diagnosis and plan

Example Documentation

Patient reports a 'pop' during soccer game. Exam shows positive Lachman test. MRI confirms ACL tear. Plan for surgical reconstruction.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left knee pain, possible ligament injury.
Good Documentation Example
Patient experienced a 'pop' during pivot. Lachman test positive, MRI confirms ACL tear. Plan for ACL reconstruction.
Explanation
The good example provides specific mechanism, exam findings, and imaging results, supporting the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for ACL Tear Left Knee? Ask your questions below.

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