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ICD-10 Coding for Left Humeral Fracture(S42.202A)

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

Also known as:

Fracture of the left humerusLeft arm fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Humeral Fracture

S42.2-S42.4Primary Range

Fractures of the shoulder and upper arm

This range includes codes for fractures of the proximal, shaft, and distal parts of the humerus.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left humeral fracture

Essential facts and insights about Left Humeral Fracture

The ICD-10 code for an unspecified fracture of the upper end of the left humerus, initial encounter for closed fracture, is S42.202A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left humeral fracture

Unspecified fracture of upper end of left humerus, initial encounter for closed fracture
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of fracture confirmed by imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of fracture location and type

Applicable To

  • Fracture of the surgical neck of left humerus
  • Fracture of the anatomical neck of left humerus

Excludes

  • Pathological fracture (M80.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray confirming fracture location
  • Clinical documentation specifying laterality and fracture type

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documentation if fracture type is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality and encounter type are documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Fall on same level from slipping, tripping and stumbling, initial encounter

W00.0XXA
Use to document the external cause of the fracture.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified fracture of shaft of left humerus, initial encounter for closed fracture

S42.302A
Use when the fracture is located in the shaft rather than the proximal end.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Humeral Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S42.202A.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed clinical documentation., Regular training on ICD-10 updates.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied or delayed., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify 'left' or 'right' in the clinical notes.

Impact

Risk of audits due to missing fracture details.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement comprehensive documentation templates.

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

Documentation Templates for Left Humeral Fracture

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

Initial encounter for left proximal humerus fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Location and laterality
  • Type of encounter
  • Fracture type and classification
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a displaced fracture of the left proximal humerus. Initial encounter for open reduction internal fixation.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has a broken left arm.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with a displaced transverse fracture of the left humeral shaft, initial encounter for open Type IIIA fracture (Gustilo).
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the fracture type, location, and encounter, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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

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