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ICD-10 Coding for Fractured Tibia(S82.201A, S82.142A)

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

Also known as:

Tibia FractureBroken Tibia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Fractured Tibia

S82.2-S82.8Primary Range

Fracture of tibia, including shaft, lower end, and other specified parts

This range covers all types of tibial fractures, including shaft, plateau, and malleolus.

Pathological and stress fractures

Used for fractures due to underlying conditions like osteoporosis or stress.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S82.201AUnspecified fracture of shaft of right tibia, initial encounterUse when the fracture is unspecified in terms of displacement and laterality is right.
  • X-ray or CT confirming fracture
  • Clinical documentation of mechanism of injury
S82.142ADisplaced fracture of lateral condyle of left tibia, initial encounterUse for displaced fractures of the lateral condyle of the left tibia.
  • CT scan showing displacement
  • Clinical notes specifying lateral condyle involvement

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 fractured tibia

Essential facts and insights about Fractured Tibia

The ICD-10 code for a fractured tibia depends on specifics like location and displacement. Common codes include S82.201A for unspecified shaft fractures.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for fractured tibia

Unspecified fracture of shaft of right tibia, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of fracture confirmed by imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation of fracture type and laterality

Applicable To

  • Fracture of tibial shaft

Excludes

  • Pathological fracture of tibia (M84.46-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray or CT confirming fracture
  • Clinical documentation of mechanism of injury

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documentation if displacement is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality and displacement are documented for precise coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Fall on same level

W00.0XXA
Use to specify the external cause of the fracture.

Car occupant injured in collision

V43.5XXA
Use for motor vehicle accident-related fractures.

Differential Codes

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

Pathological fracture in diseases classified elsewhere, tibia

M84.46-
Use when fracture is due to a disease like osteoporosis.

Fracture of medial malleolus

S82.5-
Use when fracture involves the medial malleolus.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Fractured Tibia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S82.201A.

Impact

Clinical: Potential for incorrect treatment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Financial: Denied claims or reduced reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for laterality, Cross-check with imaging reports

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement, Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies lateral or medial condyle involvement.

Impact

Audits may target lack of specificity in fracture documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates and cross-reference imaging.

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

Documentation Templates for Fractured Tibia

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

Emergency Department Note for Tibial Fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

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

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a displaced fracture of the mid-shaft of the left tibia following a fall from a ladder. X-ray confirms fracture with 2cm displacement. Plan for ORIF.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Tibia fracture noted. Follow-up needed.
Good Documentation Example
Displaced fracture of mid-shaft left tibia confirmed by X-ray. Closed injury. ORIF scheduled.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the fracture type, location, and treatment plan.

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

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