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ICD-10 Coding for ACL Rupture(S83.511A, S83.512A)

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

Also known as:

Anterior Cruciate Ligament TearACL Tear

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to ACL Rupture

S83.5Primary Range

Sprain and strain of knee and leg

This range includes codes for sprains and strains of the knee, specifically the anterior cruciate ligament.

Chronic instability of knee

Used for coding chronic instability of the knee, often following an ACL rupture.

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 rupture in the right knee.
  • MRI confirmation of ACL rupture
  • Positive Lachman test
S83.512ASprain of anterior cruciate ligament of left knee, initial encounterUse for initial encounter of an acute ACL rupture in the left knee.
  • MRI confirmation of ACL rupture
  • Positive Lachman test

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 rupture

Essential facts and insights about ACL Rupture

The ICD-10 code for an acute ACL rupture is S83.511A for the right knee and S83.512A for the left knee.

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

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

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed ACL rupture via MRI

documentation Criteria

  • Documented mechanism of injury

Applicable To

  • Acute ACL tear of right knee

Excludes

  • Chronic instability of knee (M23.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI confirmation of ACL rupture
  • Positive Lachman test

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure laterality is specified
  • Include mechanism of injury

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document the mechanism of injury and confirm the diagnosis with imaging.

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, initial encounter

W01.0XXA
Use to describe the mechanism of injury if applicable.

Activity, American football

Y93.64
Use to specify the activity during which the injury occurred.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic instability of knee, right knee

M23.51
Use for chronic conditions, not acute injuries.

Chronic instability of knee, left knee

M23.52
Use for chronic conditions, not acute injuries.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate clinical picture for treatment planning., Regulatory: Potential non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Risk of claim denial due to incomplete documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document how the injury occurred., Use external cause codes appropriately.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Always document whether the injury is to the right or left knee.

Impact

Lack of detailed clinical notes can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all required elements are documented, including laterality and mechanism of injury.

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

Documentation Templates for ACL Rupture

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

Acute ACL rupture during sports

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute knee injury from football. Lachman test positive, MRI confirms complete ACL rupture. Plan for surgical reconstruction.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has ACL injury.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with right knee ACL rupture confirmed by MRI, sustained during football. Surgical repair planned.
Explanation
The good example specifies laterality, confirms diagnosis with imaging, and includes a treatment plan.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for ACL Rupture? Ask your questions below.

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