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ICD-10 Coding for Fracture of Tooth(S02.51XA, S02.52XD)

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

Also known as:

Tooth FractureDental Fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Fracture of Tooth

S02.5Primary Range

Fracture of tooth (traumatic)

This range covers traumatic fractures of the tooth, which are the primary focus for coding tooth fractures.

Cracked tooth (non-traumatic)

This range is used for non-traumatic cracked teeth, which must be differentiated from traumatic fractures.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S02.51XAFracture of crown of tooth, initial encounterUse for initial encounters of crown fractures due to trauma.
  • Fracture line visible under 16x magnification
  • Explorer catches at fracture site
  • CBCT confirms fracture
S02.52XDFracture of root of tooth, subsequent encounterUse for subsequent encounters of root fractures.
  • CBCT slice confirms fracture extending from CEJ to apex
  • Surgical visualization of 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 tooth fracture

Essential facts and insights about Fracture of Tooth

The ICD-10 code for a tooth fracture is S02.5, with specific codes like S02.51XA for crown fractures during the initial encounter.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for fracture of tooth

Fracture of crown of tooth, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a visible fracture line on clinical exam

coding Criteria

  • Initial encounter for traumatic fracture

Applicable To

  • Visible enamel/dentin fracture line on clinical exam

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Fracture line visible under 16x magnification
  • Explorer catches at fracture site
  • CBCT confirms fracture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using for non-traumatic cracks
  • Missing the seventh character

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document the type of encounter and laterality.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dislocation of tooth, initial encounter

S03.01XA
Use when there is concurrent tooth dislocation with the fracture.

Differential Codes

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

Cracked tooth

K03.81
Use when the crack is non-traumatic and associated with parafunctional habits.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Fracture of Tooth to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S02.51XA.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment records., Regulatory: Potential for audit issues., Financial: Claim denials or delays.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify tooth number or side., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use K03.81 for non-traumatic cracked teeth.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied or delayed., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate encounter data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure to include the appropriate seventh character for encounter type.

Impact

Failure to include the seventh character can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checks to ensure all codes have the correct seventh character.

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

Documentation Templates for Fracture of Tooth

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

Endodontic Progress Note

Specialty: Endodontics

Required Elements

  • Clinical Findings
  • Imaging
  • Plan

Example Documentation

**Clinical Findings:** - Vertical fracture line visualized surgically from furcation to apex (#19) - 8mm isolated probing defect on mesiobuccal - No response to cold test (EPT 80/80) - Sinus tract tracing to apex **Imaging:** - CBCT slice 23-27: Hypodense line through distal root - No periapical rarefaction **Plan:** - D3332 (Incomplete endo) due to vertical root fracture - Extraction recommended (D7140) - S02.52XA, K08.121 (Extraction due to fracture)

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Tooth 30 fractured, needs crown
Good Documentation Example
Transillumination reveals mesiodistal fracture through dentin on tooth 30; CBCT shows fracture terminates 1mm coronal to alveolar crest (S02.51XA). Patient reports pain on mastication (R52.9)
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings, imaging results, and codes, ensuring accurate documentation and coding.

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

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