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ICD-10 Coding for Intertrochanteric Hip Fracture(S72.141A, S72.141K)

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

Also known as:

Intertrochanteric Femur FractureHip Fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Intertrochanteric Hip Fracture

S72.1Primary Range

Fracture of femur, intertrochanteric

This range includes codes for intertrochanteric fractures of the femur, specifying laterality and encounter type.

Osteoporosis with current pathological fracture

Used when the fracture is due to osteoporosis, indicating a pathological fracture.

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 encounterUse for initial encounter of a displaced intertrochanteric fracture of the right femur.
  • X-ray or CT confirming fracture line between greater and lesser trochanters
  • Clinical presentation of acute pain and inability to bear weight
S72.141KDisplaced intertrochanteric fracture of right femur, subsequent encounter for nonunionUse for subsequent encounters where nonunion is documented.
  • CT evidence of nonunion with no bridging callus at 15+ weeks post-op

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 right intertrochanteric hip fracture

Essential facts and insights about Intertrochanteric Hip Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a right intertrochanteric hip fracture, initial encounter, is S72.141A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for intertrochanteric hip fracture

Displaced intertrochanteric fracture of right femur, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a displaced fracture confirmed by imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation of laterality and encounter type

Applicable To

  • Displaced intertrochanteric fracture, right femur

Excludes

  • Pathological fracture due to osteoporosis (M80.0A)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray or CT confirming fracture line between greater and lesser trochanters
  • Clinical presentation of acute pain and inability to bear weight

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure laterality and encounter type are documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes laterality, encounter type, and fracture displacement status.

Ancillary Codes

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

Osteoporosis with current pathological fracture

M80.0A
Use when the fracture is due to osteoporosis.

Differential Codes

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

Displaced intertrochanteric fracture of left femur, initial encounter

S72.142A
Differentiate based on laterality; this code is for the left femur.

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

S72.141D
Differentiate based on healing status; this code is for routine healing.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Intertrochanteric Hip 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: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on the importance of specifying fracture type.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data collection and reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the side of the fracture (right or left).

Impact

Using the wrong 7th character for encounter type can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify encounter type before coding.

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

Documentation Templates for Intertrochanteric Hip Fracture

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

Initial encounter for intertrochanteric fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient demographics
  • Mechanism of injury
  • Imaging results
  • Fracture classification
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient is a 78-year-old female presenting with right hip pain after a fall. X-ray confirms displaced intertrochanteric fracture of the right femur. Plan for ORIF.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has a hip fracture.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has a displaced intertrochanteric fracture of the right femur, confirmed by X-ray.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type and location of the fracture, which is necessary for accurate coding.

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

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