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ICD-10 Coding for Fracture of Tibial Plateau(S82.121A, S82.141A)

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

Also known as:

Tibial Plateau FractureKnee Joint Fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Fracture of Tibial Plateau

S82.1-S82.2Primary Range

Fractures of upper end of tibia

This range includes specific codes for fractures of the tibial plateau, detailing laterality, displacement, and encounter type.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S82.121ADisplaced fracture of lateral condyle of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fractureUse when documentation specifies a displaced fracture of the lateral condyle of the right tibia, closed, initial encounter.
  • CT/X-ray showing ≥5mm articular depression
  • Split depression morphology
S82.141ADisplaced fracture of medial condyle of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fractureUse when documentation specifies a displaced fracture of the medial condyle of the right tibia, closed, initial encounter.
  • Medial condyle involvement with coronal plane fracture line

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 tibial plateau fracture

Essential facts and insights about Fracture of Tibial Plateau

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

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for fracture of tibial plateau

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

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • CT/X-ray confirms split depression with ≥5mm depression

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation specifies 'displaced', 'lateral condyle', 'right tibia', 'closed', 'initial encounter'

Applicable To

  • Lateral condyle fracture
  • Displaced
  • Closed fracture

Excludes

  • Fracture of tibial shaft
  • Open fracture without Gustilo classification

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CT/X-ray showing ≥5mm articular depression
  • Split depression morphology

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect coding if displacement or laterality is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies displacement and laterality to avoid queries.

Ancillary Codes

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

Retained foreign body fragments

Z18.03
Use when hardware is retained post-surgery.

Periprosthetic fracture around internal prosthetic knee joint

M97.2XXA
Use when fracture occurs around a prosthetic knee joint.

Differential Codes

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

Fracture of intercondylar eminence

S82.11XA
Anatomically distinct from tibial plateau fractures, involving the intercondylar eminence.

Fracture of tibial shaft

S82.3XXA
Excludes fractures of the tibial plateau.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incorrect treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Review imaging before documentation, Use structured templates

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Poor data quality affecting clinical records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies laterality and displacement status.

Impact

Lack of specificity can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes specific fracture 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 Tibial Plateau, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Fracture of Tibial Plateau

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

Orthopedic Progress Note

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Diagnosis
  • Imaging
  • Management

Example Documentation

Displaced lateral split-depressed right tibial plateau fracture with 8mm joint line depression on CT. Plan: ORIF via anterolateral approach with lateral locking plate.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Closed right tibial plateau fracture
Good Documentation Example
Displaced lateral split-depressed right tibial plateau fracture with 8mm joint line depression, initial encounter
Explanation
The good example provides specific details necessary for accurate coding and billing.

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