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ICD-10 Coding for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery(S83.51)

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

Also known as:

ACL SurgeryACL ReconstructionACL Repair

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery

S83.5Primary Range

Sprain and strain of knee and leg

This range includes codes for ACL injuries, which are the primary conditions leading to ACL surgery.

Encounter for other orthopedic aftercare

Used for post-surgical follow-up care after ACL reconstruction.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for ACL surgery

Essential facts and insights about Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery

The ICD-10 code for ACL surgery is S83.51, covering sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for anterior cruciate ligament surgery

Sprain of anterior cruciate ligament of knee
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Acute injury with MRI confirmation

documentation Criteria

  • Operative report detailing ACL reconstruction

Applicable To

  • Complete ACL tear
  • Partial ACL tear

Excludes

  • Chronic instability of knee (M23.5)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI report confirming ACL disruption
  • Positive Lachman test

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding chronic conditions as acute
  • Missing documentation of injury mechanism

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the acute nature of the injury.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for other orthopedic aftercare

Z47.89
Use for follow-up visits post-ACL surgery.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic instability of knee

M23.5
Use for chronic conditions not related to acute injury.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S83.51.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate records for future care, Regulatory: Potential for audit issues, Financial: Denied claims or reduced reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates, Ensure all operative details are included

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential claim denials or reduced payments, Compliance: Risk of audits for incorrect coding, Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure MRI and clinical findings support acute injury coding.

Impact

Incorrect use of modifiers for multiple procedures.

Mitigation Strategy

Review payer-specific guidelines for modifier application.

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

Documentation Templates for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery

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

ACL Reconstruction with Meniscal Repair

Specialty: Orthopedic Surgery

Required Elements

  • Pre-operative diagnosis
  • Operative findings
  • Surgical technique
  • Post-operative plan

Example Documentation

Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using patellar tendon autograft with medial meniscal repair using all-inside technique.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
ACL repair performed.
Good Documentation Example
Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using quadriceps tendon autograft with femoral fixation via EndoButton and tibial fixation with bioabsorbable screw.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on the graft type and fixation methods, which are essential for accurate coding and billing.

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

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