Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for ACL Tear Right Knee(S83.511A, S83.511D, S83.511S)

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

Also known as:

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear Right KneeRight Knee ACL Injury

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to ACL Tear Right Knee

S83.5Primary Range

Sprain and strain of joints and ligaments of knee

This range includes specific codes for ACL tears, including laterality and encounter type.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S83.511ASprain of anterior cruciate ligament of right knee, initial encounterUse for initial encounter of an acute ACL tear of the right knee.
  • MRI showing midsubstance ACL fiber discontinuity
  • Positive Lachman test
S83.511DSprain of anterior cruciate ligament of right knee, subsequent encounterUse for follow-up encounters after initial treatment of an ACL tear.
  • Post-surgical follow-up notes
  • Physical therapy progress
S83.511SSprain of anterior cruciate ligament of right knee, sequelaUse for chronic conditions resulting from an ACL tear.
  • Persistent knee instability
  • Chronic pain or dysfunction

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

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

Essential facts and insights about ACL Tear Right Knee

The ICD-10 code for an ACL tear in the right knee, initial encounter, is S83.511A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acl tear right knee

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

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • MRI shows midsubstance ACL fiber discontinuity

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation specifies right knee and initial encounter

Applicable To

  • Acute complete tear of right ACL

Excludes

  • Sprain of anterior cruciate ligament of left knee (S83.512A)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing midsubstance ACL fiber discontinuity
  • Positive Lachman test

Code-Specific Risks

  • Missing 7th character
  • Incorrect laterality

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and encounter type.

Ancillary Codes

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

Fall on same level from slipping, tripping and stumbling without subsequent striking against object, initial encounter

W01.0XXA
Use to describe the external cause of the injury.

Differential Codes

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

Sprain of anterior cruciate ligament of left knee, initial encounter

S83.512A
Use for left knee injuries.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting ACL Tear Right Knee to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S83.511A.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture of the injury, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the mechanism of injury, Include relevant external cause codes

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied or delayed., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure the 7th character is included to specify encounter type.

Impact

Missing details such as laterality or encounter type can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all required documentation elements are included.

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 Right Knee, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for ACL Tear Right Knee

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

Initial Encounter for ACL Tear

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Mechanism of injury
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right knee pain. MRI ordered.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports audible pop during basketball pivot. Lachman test: 8mm anterior translation with soft endpoint. MRI: Complete midsubstance ACL tear.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and imaging results, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more