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ICD-10 Coding for Fibular Stress Fracture(M84.363A, M84.364A)

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

Also known as:

Stress Fracture of the FibulaFibula Stress Injury

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Fibular Stress Fracture

M84.36-Primary Range

Stress fracture of tibia and fibula

This range includes codes for stress fractures specifically affecting the tibia and fibula, with laterality and encounter type specificity.

Osteoporosis with pathological fracture

Used when the stress fracture is due to underlying osteoporosis.

Traumatic fracture of fibula

Differential diagnosis for traumatic fractures, not stress-related.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M84.363AStress fracture, right fibula, initial encounterUse for initial diagnosis of a stress fracture in the right fibula.
  • MRI showing periosteal edema and fracture line
  • History of increased physical activity
M84.364AStress fracture, left fibula, initial encounterUse for initial diagnosis of a stress fracture in the left fibula.
  • MRI showing periosteal edema and fracture line
  • History of increased physical activity

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 fibular stress fracture

Essential facts and insights about Fibular Stress Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a fibular stress fracture is M84.36-, with specific codes for laterality and encounter type.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for fibular stress fracture

Stress fracture, right fibula, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of localized pain and imaging confirmation

coding Criteria

  • Use 7th character 'A' for initial encounter

Applicable To

  • Initial encounter for stress fracture of right fibula

Excludes

  • Traumatic fracture of right fibula (S82.831A)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing periosteal edema and fracture line
  • History of increased physical activity

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with traumatic fractures
  • Incorrect 7th character usage

Coding Notes

  • Ensure imaging confirms stress fracture before coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Age-related osteoporosis with current pathological fracture, unspecified site, initial encounter

M80.00XA
Use when osteoporosis is the underlying cause of the stress fracture.

Differential Codes

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

Displaced fracture of lateral malleolus of right fibula, initial encounter

S82.831A
Use for traumatic fractures resulting from direct impact or injury.

Displaced fracture of lateral malleolus of left fibula, initial encounter

S82.832A
Use for traumatic fractures resulting from direct impact or injury.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Fibular Stress Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M84.363A.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of symptoms and imaging findings.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use M84.36- for stress fractures and S82.83- for traumatic fractures.

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect the DRG and reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate tracking of patient encounters.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure the correct 7th character is used based on the encounter type.

Impact

High risk of audits due to frequent confusion between stress and traumatic fractures.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on differentiation criteria and ensure imaging confirms diagnosis.

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 Fibular Stress Fracture, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Fibular Stress Fracture

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

Initial diagnosis of fibular stress fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history of activity change
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

52yo female recreational runner c/o 3-week history of worsening right lateral ankle pain. Pain initially only during running, now present at rest. Tender to palpation over distal fibula. X-ray negative; MRI shows periosteal edema and fracture line at right fibular shaft. Diagnosis: Acute stress fracture, right fibula.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has leg pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports progressive right lateral leg pain with MRI-confirmed stress fracture.
Explanation
The good example specifies the location, nature of pain, and imaging confirmation, which are essential for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Fibular Stress Fracture? Ask your questions below.

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