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ICD-10 Coding for Fracture of Right Humerus(S42.251A)

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

Also known as:

Right Humerus BreakRight Arm Fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Fracture of Right Humerus

S42.2-S42.4Primary Range

Fractures of humerus

This range includes codes for fractures of the upper end, shaft, and lower end of the humerus, which are relevant for coding fractures of the right humerus.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for displaced fracture of right humerus

Essential facts and insights about Fracture of Right Humerus

Use ICD-10 code S42.251A for a displaced fracture of the greater tuberosity of the right humerus during the initial encounter.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for fracture right humerus

Displaced fracture of greater tuberosity of right humerus, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Radiographic evidence of displacement

documentation Criteria

  • Specific mention of fracture location and displacement

Applicable To

  • Displaced fracture of greater tuberosity

Excludes

  • Fracture of shaft of humerus (S42.3-)
  • Physeal fracture of humerus (S49.0-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Radiographic evidence of displacement
  • Clinical documentation of fracture location

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if displacement is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies displacement and fracture location.

Ancillary Codes

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

Fall, initial encounter

W19.XXXA
Use to describe the external cause of the fracture.

Differential Codes

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

Other nondisplaced fracture of upper end of right humerus, initial encounter

S42.291A
Use when the fracture is nondisplaced.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Fracture of Right Humerus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S42.251A.

Impact

Clinical: May affect treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document displacement status, Use templates to ensure completeness

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies fracture location and displacement.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 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 Right Humerus, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Fracture of Right Humerus

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

Initial encounter for displaced fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Fracture location
  • Displacement status
  • Encounter type
  • External cause

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a displaced fracture of the greater tuberosity of the right humerus following a fall. Initial encounter.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right arm fracture
Good Documentation Example
Displaced fracture of the greater tuberosity of the right humerus, initial encounter
Explanation
The good example specifies the fracture location and displacement, which is necessary for accurate coding.

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

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