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ICD-10 Coding for Labral Tear(S43.431A, M75.6)

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

Also known as:

SLAP LesionGlenoid Labrum TearHip Labral Tear

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Labral Tear

S43.43Primary Range

Superior glenoid labrum lesion

This range covers traumatic labral tears of the shoulder, including SLAP lesions.

Degenerative labral tear of shoulder

This range is used for degenerative labral tears associated with chronic conditions like osteoarthritis.

Labral tear of hip

This range includes labral tears of the hip, often associated with femoroacetabular impingement.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S43.431ASuperior glenoid labrum lesion of right shoulder, initial encounterUse for acute traumatic labral tears of the right shoulder during the initial encounter.
  • MRI or arthroscopy confirmation
  • Detailed mechanism of injury
M75.6Degenerative labral tear of shoulderUse when the labral tear is due to degenerative changes and associated with osteoarthritis.
  • Chronic pain history
  • Imaging showing degenerative changes

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 labral tear

Essential facts and insights about Labral Tear

The ICD-10 code for a traumatic labral tear of the right shoulder is S43.431A, while degenerative tears are coded as M75.6.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for labral tear

Superior glenoid labrum lesion of right shoulder, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of acute trauma and positive imaging findings

Applicable To

  • Traumatic SLAP tear

Excludes

  • Degenerative labral tear (M75.6)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI or arthroscopy confirmation
  • Detailed mechanism of injury

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality
  • Misclassification of encounter type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the type and location of the tear.

Ancillary Codes

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

Aftercare following joint surgery

Z47.81
Use post-operatively for follow-up care.

Differential Codes

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

Degenerative labral tear of shoulder

M75.6
Use when the tear is due to degenerative changes, not trauma.

Superior glenoid labrum lesion of right shoulder, initial encounter

S43.431A
Use for acute traumatic tears, not degenerative.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Labral Tear to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S43.431A.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Always include laterality in documentation, Use templates that prompt for side specification

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the side and whether the encounter is initial, subsequent, or sequela.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of the type and location of SLAP tears can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed operative reports and imaging findings are included in the patient record.

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 Labral Tear, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Labral Tear

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

Acute SLAP tear from fall

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Imaging findings
  • Type and location of tear

Example Documentation

45M presents with right shoulder pain after fall. MRI confirms Type II SLAP tear (10–2 o’clock).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Labral tear noted.
Good Documentation Example
Type IV SLAP tear (12–3 o’clock) confirmed via arthroscopy; history of recurrent dislocations.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the type and location of the tear, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Labral Tear? Ask your questions below.

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