Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Fracture of Tibia(S82.121A)

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

Also known as:

Tibial FractureBroken Tibia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Fracture of Tibia

S82.10-S82.9Primary Range

Fractures of the tibia

This range includes all types of tibial fractures, specifying location, laterality, and encounter type.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for tibia fracture

Essential facts and insights about Fracture of Tibia

The ICD-10 code for a displaced lateral condyle fracture of the tibia is S82.121A for the initial encounter.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for fracture of tibia

Displaced lateral condyle fracture of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging shows displaced fracture of lateral condyle.

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation specifies closed fracture and initial encounter.

Applicable To

  • Displaced fracture of lateral condyle of tibia

Excludes

  • Stress fracture of tibia
  • Pathological fracture of tibia

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirmation of fracture displacement
  • Clinical documentation of closed fracture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation
  • Missing 7th character for encounter type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies displacement and laterality.

Ancillary Codes

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

Stress fracture of right tibia

M84.361A
Use when fracture is due to repetitive stress rather than acute trauma.

Differential Codes

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

Fracture of medial malleolus of right tibia

S82.51xA
Differentiate based on fracture location; medial malleolus vs. lateral condyle.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Fracture of Tibia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S82.121A.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denial due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates for documentation, Ensure imaging reports are referenced

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect billing and potential claim denial., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure the correct 7th character is used to indicate the encounter type (e.g., initial, subsequent).

Impact

Failure to document displacement can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for displacement details.

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

Documentation Templates for Fracture of Tibia

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

Operative Note for ORIF Tibial Plateau

Specialty: Orthopedic Surgery

Required Elements

  • Preoperative diagnosis
  • Operative findings
  • Procedure details
  • Postoperative plan

Example Documentation

1. Preoperative Diagnosis: Displaced lateral tibial plateau fracture (S82.121B). 2. Findings: 10mm depression, lateral meniscal tear. 3. Procedure: Open reduction with lateral locking plate. 4. Implants: Synthes 4.5mm lateral proximal tibia plate. 5. Post-op: Non-weight-bearing x6 weeks.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right tibia fracture, treated with cast.
Good Documentation Example
Closed nondisplaced transverse fracture, distal third right tibial shaft (X-ray confirmed). Initial encounter for routine healing (S82.291A).
Explanation
The good example provides specific fracture details, imaging confirmation, and correct coding for the encounter type.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more