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ICD-10 Coding for Contusion(S00.83XA, S80.01XA)

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

Also known as:

BruiseEcchymosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Contusion

S00-S09Primary Range

Injuries to the head

Includes contusions of the head and face, which are common sites for contusions.

Injuries to the thorax

Includes contusions of the chest, which may occur in trauma cases.

Injuries to the abdomen, lower back, lumbar spine, pelvis and external genitals

Covers contusions in the abdominal and pelvic regions.

Injuries to the shoulder and upper arm

Includes contusions of the shoulder and upper arm.

Injuries to the elbow and forearm

Covers contusions of the elbow and forearm.

Injuries to the wrist, hand and fingers

Includes contusions of the wrist, hand, and fingers.

Injuries to the hip and thigh

Covers contusions of the hip and thigh.

Injuries to the knee and lower leg

Includes contusions of the knee and lower leg.

Injuries to the ankle and foot

Covers contusions of the ankle and foot.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S00.83XAContusion of other part of head, initial encounterUse for initial encounter of head contusion without intracranial injury.
  • Physical examination showing ecchymosis
  • No neurological deficits
S80.01XAContusion of right knee, initial encounterUse for initial encounter of knee contusion without fracture.
  • Physical examination showing localized bruising
  • No fracture on imaging

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 head contusion

Essential facts and insights about Contusion

The ICD-10 code for a head contusion is S00.83XA, applicable for initial encounters without neurological symptoms.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for contusion

Contusion of other part of head, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of ecchymosis without neurological symptoms

Applicable To

  • Bruise of head

Excludes

  • Traumatic brain injury (S06.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical examination showing ecchymosis
  • No neurological deficits

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if neurological symptoms are present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the exact location and encounter type.

Ancillary Codes

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

Spontaneous ecchymoses

R23.3
Use when bruising is unexplained and not due to trauma.

Activity, soccer

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.

Traumatic cerebral edema

S06.0X-
Presence of neurological deficits or imaging-confirmed brain injury.

Fracture of patella

S82.0-
Confirmed fracture on imaging.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Contusion to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S00.83XA.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document laterality when applicable., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials if trauma is not specified., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on injury mechanisms.

Mitigation Strategy

Use trauma codes (S00-T14) when mechanism is known.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific codes are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on the importance of specificity in 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 Contusion, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Contusion

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

Emergency Department Visit for Contusion

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Subjective: Patient's account of the incident
  • Objective: Physical exam findings
  • Assessment: Diagnosis with ICD-10 code
  • Plan: Treatment and follow-up instructions

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: '35M presents with right forearm pain after baseball bat impact. Denies LOC or numbness.' **Objective**: Tender 5x3 cm ecchymosis on right dorsal forearm; X-ray negative for fracture. **Assessment**: S50.811A (Contusion of right forearm, initial). **Plan**: Ice, NSAIDs, follow-up in 5 days.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Bruised knee.
Good Documentation Example
3x3 cm contusion of left patellar region with intact skin; initial encounter for fall from ladder.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, size, and context of the injury, which is necessary for accurate coding.

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

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