Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Fracture of Pubic Ramus(S32.501A, S32.502A)

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

Also known as:

Pubic Ramus FracturePelvic FractureSuperior/Inferior Pubic Ramus Fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Fracture of Pubic Ramus

S32.5XXAPrimary Range

Fracture of pubis

This range includes specific codes for fractures of the pubic ramus, detailing laterality and encounter type.

Fracture of sacrum

Used for associated sacral fractures, often concurrent with pubic ramus fractures.

Fracture of acetabulum

Relevant for acetabular fractures that may accompany pubic ramus fractures.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S32.501AFracture of right pubis, initial encounter for closed fractureUse when imaging confirms a closed fracture of the right pubic ramus.
  • Imaging confirmation of fracture location and laterality
  • Documentation of closed fracture status
S32.502AFracture of left pubis, initial encounter for closed fractureUse when imaging confirms a closed fracture of the left pubic ramus.
  • Imaging confirmation of fracture location and laterality
  • Documentation of closed fracture status

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 fracture of pubic ramus

Essential facts and insights about Fracture of Pubic Ramus

The ICD-10 code for a fracture of the pubic ramus is S32.5XXA, with specific codes like S32.501A for the right side and S32.502A for the left side.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for fracture pubic ramus

Fracture of right pubis, initial encounter for closed fracture
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Laterality and fracture type must be specified in the medical record.

Applicable To

  • Closed fracture of right superior pubic ramus
  • Closed fracture of right inferior pubic ramus

Excludes

  • Open fracture of right pubis

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirmation of fracture location and laterality
  • Documentation of closed fracture status

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes if laterality is not documented.

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.

Fracture of sacrum

S32.1XXA
Use if a sacral fracture is present alongside the pubic ramus fracture.

Fracture of acetabulum

S32.4XXA
Use if an acetabular fracture is present alongside the pubic ramus fracture.

Differential Codes

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

Fracture of unspecified pubis, initial encounter for closed fracture

S32.509A
Use when laterality or specific location is not documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Fracture of Pubic Ramus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S32.501A.

Impact

Clinical: May miss critical injuries affecting patient care., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for untreated injuries.

Mitigation Strategy

Thorough review of imaging for additional injuries, Detailed documentation of all findings

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies right or left side based on imaging.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used frequently.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure complete documentation of 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 Pubic Ramus, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Fracture of Pubic Ramus

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

Emergency Department Visit for Pubic Ramus Fracture

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Imaging results
  • Fracture location and laterality
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a fall injury. CT confirms a closed fracture of the left inferior pubic ramus. No associated injuries. Plan for conservative management with follow-up.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Pelvic fracture noted.
Good Documentation Example
CT confirms closed fracture of left inferior pubic ramus, no associated injuries.
Explanation
The good example specifies the fracture location and type, improving coding accuracy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Fracture of Pubic Ramus? 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