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ICD-10 Coding for Fracture of Left Femur(S72.142D, M80.052A)

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

Also known as:

Left Femur FractureLeft Hip Fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Fracture of Left Femur

S72.0-S72.9Primary Range

Fractures of femur

This range includes all types of femur fractures, including those affecting the left side.

Osteoporosis with current pathological fracture

Relevant for fractures due to osteoporosis, which may affect the femur.

Periprosthetic fracture around internal prosthetic joint

Used for fractures occurring around a prosthetic joint, applicable to femur.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S72.142DDisplaced intertrochanteric fracture of left femur, subsequent encounter for closed fracture with routine healingUse when the fracture is intertrochanteric, on the left side, and healing routinely.
  • X-ray showing intertrochanteric fracture
  • Documentation of routine healing
M80.052AAge-related osteoporosis with current pathological fracture, left femurUse when fracture is due to osteoporosis, confirmed by imaging.
  • DXA scan showing T-score ≤-2.5
  • Documentation of fragility fracture mechanism

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 left femur fracture

Essential facts and insights about Fracture of Left Femur

The ICD-10 code for a displaced intertrochanteric fracture of the left femur is S72.142D, applicable for subsequent encounters with routine healing.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for fracture left femur

Displaced intertrochanteric fracture of left femur, subsequent encounter for closed fracture with routine healing
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Intertrochanteric fracture confirmed by imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Routine healing documented

Applicable To

  • Intertrochanteric fracture of left femur

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray showing intertrochanteric fracture
  • Documentation of routine healing

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use if healing status is not routine

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies intertrochanteric location and healing status.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of (healed) traumatic fracture

Z87.81
Use to indicate a history of fractures.

Long-term (current) use of bisphosphonates

Z79.52
Use to indicate ongoing osteoporosis treatment.

Differential Codes

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

Age-related osteoporosis with current pathological fracture, left femur

M80.052A
Use when fracture is due to osteoporosis, confirmed by DXA scan.

Displaced intertrochanteric fracture of left femur, subsequent encounter for closed fracture with routine healing

S72.142D
Use when fracture is traumatic and healing routinely.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Fracture of Left Femur to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S72.142D.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment side., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document 'left' or 'right' for fractures., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of medical records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific fracture type and location.

Impact

Risk of audits due to use of unspecified codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes and ensure complete 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 Fracture of Left Femur, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Fracture of Left Femur

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

Orthopedic assessment of left femur fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Fracture type and location
  • Mechanism of injury
  • Imaging results
  • Healing status

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a displaced intertrochanteric fracture of the left femur, confirmed by X-ray. Routine healing documented.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left hip fracture, needs surgery.
Good Documentation Example
Displaced intertrochanteric fracture of left femur, initial encounter for closed fracture (S72.142A).
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, type, and encounter details necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Fracture of Left Femur? Ask your questions below.

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