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ICD-10 Coding for Left Hip Fracture(S72.002A, S72.142A)

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

Also known as:

Fracture of left femurLeft femoral fractureleft femoral neck fractureleft intertrochanteric fractureleft subtrochanteric fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Hip Fracture

S72.0-S72.9Primary Range

Fractures of femur

This range includes all types of femur fractures, including those affecting the left hip.

Osteoporosis with pathological fracture and other pathological fractures

This range is relevant for pathological fractures due to conditions like osteoporosis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S72.002AUnspecified fracture of neck of left femur, initial encounter for closed fractureUse when the fracture type is not specified beyond being a closed fracture.
  • Radiographic evidence of fracture
  • Clinical documentation specifying closed fracture
S72.142ADisplaced intertrochanteric fracture of left femur, initial encounter for closed fractureUse when the fracture is specifically documented as displaced intertrochanteric.
  • Radiographic evidence of intertrochanteric fracture
  • Clinical documentation specifying displaced fracture

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 hip fracture

Essential facts and insights about Left Hip Fracture

The ICD-10 code for an unspecified fracture of the neck of the left femur is S72.002A. For a displaced intertrochanteric fracture, use S72.142A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left hip fracture

Unspecified fracture of neck of left femur, initial encounter for closed fracture
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify closed fracture of neck of left femur.

Applicable To

  • Closed fracture of neck of left femur

Excludes

  • Pathological fracture (M80.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Radiographic evidence of fracture
  • Clinical documentation specifying closed fracture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified code when more specific information is available.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies closed fracture to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of (healed) traumatic fracture

Z87.310
Use for sequela encounters to indicate history of fracture.

Differential Codes

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

Pathological fracture in osteoporosis, left femur

M80.052A
Use when fracture is due to osteoporosis.

Subtrochanteric fracture, open type I/II

S72.22XA
Use for open fractures with specific Gustilo classification.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Hip Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S72.002A.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment planning., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit due to incomplete documentation., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to unspecified coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure radiographic findings are included in documentation., Train staff on importance of detailed fracture documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Increases risk of audit due to unspecified coding., Data Quality: Decreases data quality and accuracy in medical records.

Mitigation Strategy

Document specific fracture type and location to use the most accurate code.

Impact

High risk of audit for using unspecified codes when specific details are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific fracture type and location.

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

Documentation Templates for Left Hip Fracture

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

Post-Operative Orthopedic Note

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Procedure details
  • Incision status
  • Weight-bearing instructions
  • Follow-up imaging results

Example Documentation

PROCEDURE: ORIF left intertrochanteric fracture (S72.142A) ASSESSMENT: Incision clean, no erythema. PLAN: NWB x 4 weeks, PT for gait training.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left hip fracture treated.
Good Documentation Example
Displaced intertrochanteric fracture of left femur treated with ORIF.
Explanation
The good example specifies the fracture type and treatment, improving clarity and coding accuracy.

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

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