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ICD-10 Coding for Femoral Fracture(S72.001A, M84.451A)

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

Also known as:

Thigh Bone FractureFemur Break

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Femoral Fracture

S72.0-S72.9Primary Range

Fractures of femur

This range covers all types of femoral fractures, including specific locations and types.

Pathological fractures

Used when the fracture is due to an underlying disease process.

Periprosthetic fractures

Used for fractures occurring around prosthetic joints.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S72.001AFracture of unspecified part of neck of right femur, initial encounter for closed fractureUse for initial encounter of closed fracture of the right femoral neck.
  • X-ray confirmation of fracture
  • Clinical documentation of closed fracture
M84.451APathological fracture in neoplastic disease, right femur, initial encounterUse when the fracture is due to neoplastic disease.
  • Evidence of neoplastic disease
  • Imaging showing pathological fracture

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 femoral fracture

Essential facts and insights about Femoral Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a femoral fracture varies by location and type, such as S72.001A for a closed fracture of the right femoral neck.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for fractions femur

Fracture of unspecified part of neck of right femur, initial encounter for closed fracture
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of fracture on imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation of closed fracture

Applicable To

  • Closed fracture of femoral neck

Excludes

  • Open fracture of femoral neck

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray confirmation of fracture
  • Clinical documentation of closed fracture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality and fracture type (open/closed) are documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pathological fracture in neoplastic disease, right femur, initial encounter

M84.451A
Use when fracture is due to neoplastic disease.

Long term (current) use of bisphosphonates

Z79.83
Use when fracture is related to long-term bisphosphonate use.

Differential Codes

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

Fracture of unspecified part of neck of left femur, initial encounter for closed fracture

S72.002A
Differentiate based on laterality (right vs. left).

Fracture of unspecified part of neck of right femur, initial encounter for closed fracture

S72.001A
Differentiate based on etiology (traumatic vs. pathological).

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Femoral Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S72.001A.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 requirements., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always verify and document laterality., Use checklists in EHR systems.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect laterality can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify and document the correct side of the fracture.

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Impacts clinical data accuracy.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure clear documentation of whether the fracture is open or closed.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of fracture type can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of fracture characteristics.

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

Documentation Templates for Femoral Fracture

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

Initial encounter for femoral fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Fracture location
  • Fracture type
  • Laterality
  • Etiology

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a closed fracture of the right femoral neck due to a fall. Initial encounter.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Femur fracture
Good Documentation Example
Closed displaced transverse fracture of right femoral shaft from ground-level fall, initial encounter
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on fracture type, location, and encounter type.

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

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