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ICD-10 Coding for Left Clavicle Fracture(S42.012A, S42.022A)

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

Also known as:

Fracture of the left collarboneLeft collarbone fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Clavicle Fracture

S42.0-S42.09Primary Range

Fracture of clavicle

This range includes all types of clavicle fractures, specifying laterality, displacement, and encounter type.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S42.012AAnterior displaced fracture of sternal end of left clavicle, initial encounter for closed fractureUse for initial encounter when anterior displacement of the sternal end is confirmed.
  • CT scan confirming anterior displacement
  • Closed fracture from motor vehicle collision
S42.022ADisplaced fracture of shaft of left clavicle, initial encounter for closed fractureUse for initial encounter when a displaced shaft fracture is confirmed.
  • X-ray showing comminuted midshaft fracture with 2cm shortening

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 left clavicle fracture

Essential facts and insights about Left Clavicle Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a displaced fracture of the shaft of the left clavicle, initial encounter, is S42.022A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left clavicle fracture

Anterior displaced fracture of sternal end of left clavicle, initial encounter for closed fracture
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Anterior displacement confirmed by imaging

Applicable To

  • Anterior displacement of sternal end fracture

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CT scan confirming anterior displacement
  • Closed fracture from motor vehicle collision

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure displacement is documented; otherwise, use nondisplaced code.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document the displacement and encounter type clearly.

Ancillary Codes

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

Fall on same level

W00.0
Use to describe the external cause of the fracture if applicable.

Gymnasium as the place of occurrence

Y92.831
Use to specify the location of the injury if applicable.

Differential Codes

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

Shoulder dislocation

S43.0
Use when neurovascular compromise is present and no fracture is confirmed.

Scapular fracture

S42.81
Use when fracture involves the scapula, not the clavicle.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Clavicle Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S42.012A.

Impact

Clinical: Can lead to incorrect treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to incomplete documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include 'left' or 'right' in the documentation., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect 7th character can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data for patient care and research.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure to use the correct 7th character to indicate the encounter type.

Impact

Audits may flag records with insufficient fracture details.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes specific fracture details such as location, displacement, 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 Left Clavicle Fracture, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Clavicle Fracture

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

Initial encounter for displaced shaft fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Imaging findings
  • Neurovascular status
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a displaced shaft fracture of the left clavicle after a fall. X-ray shows 2cm shortening. Neurovascular status intact. Plan for ORIF.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left clavicle fracture.
Good Documentation Example
Displaced shaft fracture of the left clavicle with 2cm shortening, initial encounter for closed fracture.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the fracture type, displacement, and encounter type.

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

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