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ICD-10 Coding for Crush Injury(S28.0, S57.81-)

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

Also known as:

Compression InjuryCrush Syndrome

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Crush Injury

Injuries to the head

Includes crush injuries to the head, such as S07.XXX.

S28Primary Range

Injuries to the thorax

Primary range for crush injuries to the chest, such as S28.0.

Injuries to the forearm

Includes crush injuries to the forearm, such as S57.81-.

Injuries to the thigh

Includes crush injuries to the thigh, such as S78.91XA.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S28.0Crush injury of chestUse when there is a documented crush injury to the chest area.
  • CT scan showing rib fractures
  • Mechanism of injury involving compression
S57.81-Crush injury of right forearmUse for documented crush injuries to the right forearm.
  • X-ray showing bone displacement
  • Documented mechanism of injury

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 crush injury

Essential facts and insights about Crush Injury

The ICD-10 code for a crush injury varies by location, such as S28.0 for the chest and S57.81- for the right forearm.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for crush injury

Crush injury of chest
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of rib fractures due to a compressive force.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of the compressive mechanism.

Applicable To

  • Crush injury of ribs
  • Crush injury of sternum

Excludes

  • Non-traumatic chest pain

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CT scan showing rib fractures
  • Mechanism of injury involving compression

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect sequencing with rib fractures
  • Missing documentation of mechanism

Coding Notes

  • Ensure crush injury is sequenced before fracture codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Multiple fractures of ribs

S22.4-
Use when multiple rib fractures are present with a crush injury.

Traumatic compartment syndrome

T79.5
Use when compartment syndrome is present with the crush injury.

Differential Codes

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

Fracture of rib

S22.3-
Use when fracture is not due to a crush mechanism.

Contusion of right forearm

S50.01-
Use for non-crush related bruising.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Crush Injury to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S28.0.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality and encounter type., Use detailed documentation to support specific code selection.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate medical records and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Always sequence the crush injury code before fracture codes.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied for unspecified codes., Compliance: Failure to meet documentation standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate data for clinical decision-making.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure laterality is documented for all limb injuries.

Impact

Incorrect sequencing of crush injuries and associated fractures.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on proper sequencing rules and provide regular audits.

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

Documentation Templates for Crush Injury

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

Crush injury with fracture

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Laterality
  • Encounter type
  • Associated injuries

Example Documentation

35M crushed under concrete slab x 4 hours. Reports severe left leg pain. Extricated with hydraulic tools. Left lower extremity mottled, pulseless. 10 cm degloving injury mid-thigh. Passive dorsiflexion elicits 9/10 pain. Comminuted femoral shaft fracture (S72.321A), no vascular flow on Doppler. CK 8,240 IU/L, K+ 6.8 mEq/L. Assessment: Crush injury left thigh (S78.91XA) with acute compartment syndrome (T79.5) and hyperkalemia (E87.5).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Crush injury to arm with fracture.
Good Documentation Example
Crush injury of right forearm (S57.81XA) due to industrial press accident, with open displaced fracture of distal radius (S52.501B) – Gustilo Type II. CK 12,000 IU/L, hyperkalemia (6.2 mEq/L) on ECG.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on laterality, mechanism, and associated conditions, which are essential for accurate coding and billing.

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

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