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ICD-10 Coding for Left Shoulder Contusion(S40.012A)

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

Also known as:

Bruised Left ShoulderShoulder Bruise

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Shoulder Contusion

S40-S49Primary Range

Injuries to the shoulder and upper arm

This range includes all injuries related to the shoulder, including contusions.

Place of occurrence of the external cause

Used to specify the location where the injury occurred.

External causes of morbidity

Used to specify the external cause of the injury, such as falls.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left shoulder contusion

Essential facts and insights about Left Shoulder Contusion

The ICD-10 code for a left shoulder contusion is S40.012A, used for initial encounters without fracture.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left shoulder contusion

Contusion of left shoulder, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of ecchymosis and tenderness without fracture on X-ray

coding Criteria

  • Use of 7th character 'A' for initial encounter

Applicable To

  • Bruise of left shoulder

Excludes

  • Fracture of left shoulder

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical examination showing ecchymosis and tenderness
  • X-ray negative for fracture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as a fracture
  • Omitting the 7th character for encounter type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document the mechanism of injury and use appropriate external cause codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Grocery store as the place of occurrence

Y92.413
Use to specify the location of the injury.

Fall on same level

W10.XXXA
Use to specify the cause of the fall.

Differential Codes

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

Sprain of left acromioclavicular joint

S43.52XD
Use when there is ligament damage rather than soft tissue bruising.

Fracture of left clavicle

S42.002A
Use when imaging confirms a fracture.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Shoulder Contusion to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S40.012A.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of physical findings and injury mechanism.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: May result in non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use M96.89 for post-procedural musculoskeletal disorder

Impact

Failure to document the mechanism of injury can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement thorough documentation practices.

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 Shoulder Contusion, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Shoulder Contusion

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

Initial evaluation in the emergency department

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Physical findings
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 3x4 cm contusion on the left shoulder after falling from a ladder. X-ray negative for fracture.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left shoulder pain after fall.
Good Documentation Example
3x4 cm violaceous contusion over left deltoid with point tenderness. No deformity. X-ray confirms no fracture.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the injury and confirms the absence of a fracture.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Left Shoulder Contusion? Ask your questions below.

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