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ICD-10 Coding for Left Fibula Fracture(S82.402A, S82.642A)

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

Also known as:

Fracture of left fibular shaftLeft lateral malleolus fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Fibula Fracture

S82.4-S82.8Primary Range

Fractures of the fibula

This range includes all types of fibula fractures, including shaft and malleolus fractures.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S82.402AUnspecified closed fracture of shaft of left fibula, initial encounterUse when the fracture is located in the shaft of the left fibula and is unspecified.
  • X-ray confirmation of fracture location
  • Documentation of closed fracture status
S82.642ANondisplaced fracture of left lateral malleolus, initial encounterUse when the fracture is in the lateral malleolus and is nondisplaced.
  • X-ray showing nondisplacement
  • Stress view confirming stability

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 fibula fracture

Essential facts and insights about Left Fibula Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a left fibula fracture varies by type: S82.402A for shaft fractures and S82.642A for nondisplaced lateral malleolus fractures.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left fibula fracture

Unspecified closed fracture of shaft of left fibula, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Fracture confirmed by imaging in the shaft of the fibula.

documentation Criteria

  • Documented as a closed fracture.

Applicable To

  • Closed fracture of left fibular shaft

Excludes

  • Lateral malleolus fractures
  • Medial malleolus fractures

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray confirmation of fracture location
  • Documentation of closed fracture status

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using this code for lateral malleolus fractures

Coding Notes

  • Ensure fracture location is specified to avoid using unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Retained foreign body

Z18.83
Use when there is hardware present from previous surgeries.

Periprosthetic fracture around internal prosthetic ankle joint

M97.2
Use if there is a periprosthetic fracture.

Differential Codes

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

Nondisplaced fracture of left lateral malleolus, initial encounter

S82.642A
Use when the fracture is specifically in the lateral malleolus and is nondisplaced.

Unspecified closed fracture of shaft of left fibula, initial encounter

S82.402A
Use when fracture is in the shaft, not the malleolus.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Fibula Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S82.402A.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific anatomical terms., Include imaging findings.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate medical records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure fracture location is specified as shaft or malleolus.

Impact

Using unspecified codes without justification.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the use of unspecified codes.

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

Documentation Templates for Left Fibula Fracture

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

Initial Encounter for Left Fibula Fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Mechanism of injury
  • Imaging results
  • Fracture location and type

Example Documentation

Patient presents with pain in left leg after fall. X-ray shows closed fracture of left fibular shaft, 5 mm displacement.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has leg fracture.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with closed fracture of left fibular shaft, confirmed by X-ray.
Explanation
The good example specifies the fracture location and type, improving coding accuracy.

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

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