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ICD-10 Coding for Hamstring Muscle Strain(S76.312A)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Hamstring Muscle Strain. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Hamstring StrainPulled Hamstring

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hamstring Muscle Strain

S76.31Primary Range

Strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of posterior muscle group at thigh level

This range includes codes for strains of the posterior thigh muscle group, which is the primary location for hamstring injuries.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for hamstring muscle strain

Essential facts and insights about Hamstring Muscle Strain

The ICD-10 code for an initial encounter of a left hamstring muscle strain is S76.312A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for hamstring muscle strain

Strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of posterior muscle group at thigh level, left thigh, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of acute pain and tenderness in the posterior thigh

coding Criteria

  • Initial encounter for acute injury

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of the injury mechanism and muscle group

Applicable To

  • Acute hamstring strain

Excludes

  • Chronic hamstring strain (M62.8)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing edema in the posterior thigh
  • Physical exam indicating tenderness and reduced range of motion

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure laterality is specified
  • Use correct 7th character for encounter type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes the specific muscle group involved and the mechanism of injury.

Ancillary Codes

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

Activity, American football

Y93.64
Use to specify the activity during which the injury occurred.

Differential Codes

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

Other specified disorders of muscle

M62.8
Use M62.8 for chronic or unspecified muscle strains.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hamstring Muscle Strain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S76.312A.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate patient records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality and encounter type., Use detailed clinical documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied or delayed due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data collection affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify whether the injury is on the left or right side.

Impact

Lack of specificity in documentation can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes specific details about the injury, including laterality and encounter type.

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 Hamstring Muscle Strain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Hamstring Muscle Strain

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Hamstring Muscle Strain. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Initial Evaluation of Hamstring Strain

Specialty: Sports Medicine

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Diagnosis

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute left posterior thigh pain following a sprint. Physical exam reveals tenderness and reduced range of motion. MRI confirms grade II strain of the semimembranosus.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has thigh pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with acute left posterior thigh pain following a sprint, with tenderness and reduced range of motion. MRI confirms grade II strain of the semimembranosus.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the location, mechanism, and severity of the injury.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Hamstring Muscle Strain? Ask your questions below.

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