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ICD-10 Coding for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair(S83.511A, T84.410A)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

ACL RepairACL Reconstruction

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair

S83.51-Primary Range

Sprain of anterior cruciate ligament of knee

Primary range for acute ACL injuries, including sprains and tears.

Mechanical complication of internal orthopedic device, implant, and graft

Used for complications related to ACL grafts, such as failures.

Chronic instability of knee

Used for chronic ACL injuries or instability.

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 encounters of acute ACL sprains or tears on the right knee.
  • Positive Lachman's test
  • MRI showing ACL disruption
T84.410AMechanical complication of internal orthopedic device, implant, and graft, initial encounterUse for complications related to ACL grafts, such as mechanical failures.
  • Post-surgical instability
  • MRI confirming graft failure

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 repair

Essential facts and insights about Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair

The ICD-10 code for ACL repair is S83.51-, used for sprains and tears of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for anterior cruciate ligament repair

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

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Acute injury confirmed by MRI or physical exam

Applicable To

  • Acute ACL tear

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive Lachman's test
  • MRI showing ACL disruption

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding chronic tears as acute

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies acute nature and laterality.

Ancillary Codes

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

Chondroplasty

29877
Use when chondroplasty is performed for cartilage damage.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic instability of knee

M23.5-
Use for chronic or old ACL injuries, not acute.

Infection and inflammatory reaction due to internal joint prosthesis

T84.5-
Use for infection-related issues, not mechanical failures.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair 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 injury documentation., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim rejections.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include external cause codes for injuries., Review coding guidelines for injury coding.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use M23.5- for chronic tears and S83.51- for acute tears.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of mechanical failures can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed operative and imaging reports 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 Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Primary ACL Reconstruction

Specialty: Orthopedic Surgery

Required Elements

  • Graft type and fixation method
  • Operative findings
  • Post-operative plan

Example Documentation

Arthroscopic reconstruction of the left ACL using patellar tendon autograft. Femoral and tibial tunnels created. Graft secured with bioabsorbable interference screws.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
ACL repair performed.
Good Documentation Example
Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using patellar tendon autograft with bioabsorbable screws.
Explanation
The good example specifies the technique and materials used, providing clarity and justification for coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair? Ask your questions below.

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