ICD-10 Coding for Distal Radius Fracture Right(S52.531A, S52.541A, S52.562A)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Distal Radius Fracture Right. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Distal Radius Fracture Right
S52.5-S52.6Primary Range
Fractures of the radius
This range includes specific codes for fractures of the distal radius, including Colles' and Smith's fractures.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| S52.531A | Colles' fracture of right radius, initial encounter for closed fracture | Use when there is a Colles' fracture with dorsal displacement of the right radius. |
|
| S52.541A | Smith's fracture of right radius, initial encounter for closed fracture | Use when there is a Smith's fracture with volar displacement of the right radius. |
|
| S52.562A | Displaced intra-articular fracture of distal end of right radius, initial encounter for closed fracture | Use when there is a displaced intra-articular fracture with three or more fragments. |
|
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 Colles' fracture right radius
Essential facts and insights about Distal Radius Fracture Right
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for distal radius fracture right
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of dorsal displacement on X-ray
documentation Criteria
- Explicit mention of Colles' fracture in clinical notes
Applicable To
- Dorsal displacement of distal radius
Excludes
- Smith's fracture
- Barton fracture
Clinical Validation Requirements
- X-ray showing dorsal displacement
- Clinical documentation of fracture type
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding as unspecified fracture
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies dorsal displacement to avoid miscoding.
S52.541A - Smith's fracture of right radius, initial encounter for closed fracture
Use when there is a Smith's fracture with volar displacement of the right radius.
Applicable To
- Volar displacement of distal radius
Excludes
- Colles' fracture
- Barton fracture
Clinical Validation Requirements
- X-ray showing volar displacement
- Clinical documentation of fracture type
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies volar displacement to avoid miscoding.
S52.562A - Displaced intra-articular fracture of distal end of right radius, initial encounter for closed fracture
Use when there is a displaced intra-articular fracture with three or more fragments.
Applicable To
- Intra-articular involvement
- Comminution with three or more fragments
Excludes
- Extra-articular fractures
Clinical Validation Requirements
- CT scan confirming intra-articular involvement
- Documentation of fragment count
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies intra-articular involvement and fragment count.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Unspecified fall, initial encounter
W19.XXXADifferential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Distal Radius Fracture Right to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S52.531A.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify right or left in documentation, Use templates that prompt for laterality
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Increases risk of audits, Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies fracture type and displacement
Impact
Inadequate documentation of fragment count can lead to coding errors
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure radiology and operative reports specify fragment count
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 Distal Radius Fracture Right, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Distal Radius Fracture Right
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Distal Radius Fracture Right. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Initial encounter for a displaced intra-articular distal radius fracture
Specialty: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Fracture type
- Displacement details
- Fragment count
- Joint involvement
- Imaging findings
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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