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ICD-10 Coding for Left Tibia and Fibula Fracture(S82.252A, S82.452A)

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

Also known as:

Left Tib-Fib FractureLeft Tibial and Fibular Fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Tibia and Fibula Fracture

S82.2-S82.9Primary Range

Fractures of lower leg, including tibia and fibula

This range includes specific codes for fractures of the tibia and fibula, detailing laterality and fracture type.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S82.252ADisplaced transverse fracture of shaft of left tibia, initial encounter for closed fractureUse for initial encounter of a displaced transverse fracture of the left tibial shaft.
  • X-ray showing transverse fracture line with displacement
S82.452ADisplaced comminuted fracture of shaft of left tibia, initial encounterUse for initial encounter of a displaced comminuted fracture of the left tibial shaft.
  • X-ray showing comminuted fracture with multiple fragments

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 tib fib fracture

Essential facts and insights about Left Tibia and Fibula Fracture

For a left tib fib fracture, use ICD-10 code S82.252A for a displaced transverse fracture of the left tibial shaft, initial encounter.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left tib fib fracture

Displaced transverse fracture of shaft of left tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a displaced transverse fracture on imaging

Applicable To

  • Transverse fracture of left tibial shaft

Excludes

  • Fracture of medial malleolus

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray showing transverse fracture line with displacement

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure documentation specifies displacement and laterality.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document the encounter type and laterality.

Ancillary Codes

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

Fall from slipping, tripping, or stumbling

W17.89xA
Use to specify the external cause of the fracture.

Fall on same level from slipping, tripping, and stumbling

W18.09xA
Use to specify the external cause of the fracture.

Differential Codes

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

Fracture of medial malleolus

S82.5xxA
Use when the fracture involves the medial malleolus rather than the shaft.

Fracture of lower tibia with fibula

S82.3xxA
Use when the fracture involves the lower tibia rather than the shaft.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Tibia and Fibula Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S82.252A.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the side of the body affected., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement errors., Compliance: Potential audit issues due to incorrect coding., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify fracture location on imaging and use appropriate shaft fracture code.

Impact

High risk of audits due to frequent errors in fracture type and laterality documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular training and audits of 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 Tibia and Fibula Fracture, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Tibia and Fibula Fracture

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

Initial encounter for displaced tibial shaft fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Fracture type
  • Displacement status
  • Associated injuries
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a displaced transverse fracture of the left tibial shaft. Plan for ORIF.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has a broken left leg.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with a displaced transverse fracture of the left tibial shaft with associated fibular fracture.
Explanation
The good example specifies the fracture type, location, and associated injuries, which are critical for accurate coding.

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

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