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ICD-10 Coding for Bruise(S60.021A, R23.3)

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

Also known as:

ContusionEcchymosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bruise

S00-S99Primary Range

Injuries to specific body parts

This range includes codes for traumatic bruises, specifying location, laterality, and encounter type.

Spontaneous ecchymoses

Used for non-traumatic bruises where no specific injury is identified.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S60.021AContusion of right index finger, initial encounterUse when a patient presents with a bruise on the right index finger due to trauma, during the initial encounter.
  • Physical examination showing bruise
  • Patient history confirming trauma
R23.3Spontaneous ecchymosesUse when a patient presents with bruising without a history of trauma.
  • Absence of trauma history
  • Laboratory tests confirming bleeding disorder

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 bruise

Essential facts and insights about Bruise

The ICD-10 code for a bruise depends on whether it is traumatic or spontaneous. Use S00-S99 for traumatic and R23.3 for spontaneous.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bruise

Contusion of right index finger, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of bruise on right index finger due to trauma

documentation Criteria

  • Documented laterality and encounter type

Applicable To

  • Bruise of right index finger

Excludes

  • Fracture of right index finger

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical examination showing bruise
  • Patient history confirming trauma

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation
  • Omitting encounter type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure complete documentation of the injury mechanism 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

W01.198A
Use to specify the external cause of the injury.

Differential Codes

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

Spontaneous ecchymoses

R23.3
Use R23.3 when the bruise is not due to trauma.

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura

D69.0
Use D69.0 when there is a confirmed diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenia.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bruise to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S60.021A.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical documentation., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use checklists for documentation., Regular training sessions for coding staff.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use S00-S99 series with external cause codes for traumatic bruises.

Impact

Increased risk of audits when unspecified codes are used.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes with complete documentation.

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

Documentation Templates for Bruise

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

Initial encounter for traumatic bruise

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Location and size of bruise
  • Mechanism of injury
  • Laterality
  • Encounter type

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 3cm bruise on the right index finger after being struck by a baseball. Initial encounter.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Bruise on finger.
Good Documentation Example
3cm contusion on right index finger due to baseball strike, initial encounter.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, size, cause, and encounter type.

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

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