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ICD-10 Coding for Intertrochanteric Fracture(S72.141A, S72.142D)

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

Also known as:

Hip FractureFemur Fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Intertrochanteric Fracture

S72.14-S72.15Primary Range

Fracture of femur, intertrochanteric

This range includes both displaced and nondisplaced intertrochanteric fractures, which are common types of hip fractures.

Periprosthetic fracture around internal prosthetic joint

Used as an ancillary code when a fracture occurs around a prosthetic joint.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S72.141ADisplaced intertrochanteric fracture of right femur, initial encounter for closed fractureUse for initial encounter of a displaced intertrochanteric fracture of the right femur.
  • X-ray confirmation of fracture
  • Clinical documentation of displacement
S72.142DDisplaced intertrochanteric fracture of left femur, subsequent encounter for closed fracture with routine healingUse for follow-up visits when healing is routine.
  • Follow-up imaging showing healing
  • Clinical notes indicating routine healing

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 displaced intertrochanteric fracture

Essential facts and insights about Intertrochanteric Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a displaced intertrochanteric fracture of the left femur, initial encounter, is S72.142A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for intertrochanteric fracture

Displaced intertrochanteric fracture of right femur, initial encounter for closed fracture
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Document laterality and displacement status.

Applicable To

  • Initial encounter for closed fracture

Excludes

  • Open fracture

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray confirmation of fracture
  • Clinical documentation of displacement

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation
  • Misclassification of fracture type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality and fracture type are clearly documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Periprosthetic fracture around internal prosthetic joint, initial encounter

M97.11XA
Use when the fracture is around a prosthetic joint.

Aftercare following surgery for fracture

Z47.1
Use for post-operative care documentation.

Differential Codes

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

Displaced intertrochanteric fracture of left femur, initial encounter for closed fracture

S72.142A
Differentiate based on laterality (left vs. right femur).

Displaced intertrochanteric fracture of right femur, subsequent encounter for closed fracture with routine healing

S72.141D
Differentiate based on laterality (left vs. right femur).

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Intertrochanteric Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S72.141A.

Impact

Clinical: Potential for incorrect treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Delayed or denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use precise language in documentation, Cross-check with imaging

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect billing and potential claim denial., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate medical records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify and document the correct side of the fracture.

Impact

Frequent errors in documenting the correct side of the fracture.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement double-check systems for laterality in documentation.

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

Documentation Templates for Intertrochanteric Fracture

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

Orthopedic Progress Note (Subsequent Encounter)

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient's subjective report
  • Objective findings
  • Assessment
  • Plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Patient reports decreased pain, ambulating with walker. **Objective**: Incision clean, no erythema. X-ray: Callus formation at fracture site; alignment maintained. **Assessment**: S72.141D - Displaced intertrochanteric fracture, left femur, subsequent encounter with routine healing. **Plan**: Continue weight-bearing as tolerated; follow-up in 4 weeks.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Fracture healing well.
Good Documentation Example
Closed fracture site shows callus formation on X-ray; no complications.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and healing status.

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

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