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ICD-10 Coding for Left Tibial Fracture(S82.221A)

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

Also known as:

Fracture of Left TibiaLeft Tibia Break

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Tibial Fracture

S82.20-S82.29Primary Range

Fracture of shaft of tibia

This range includes codes for fractures of the shaft of the tibia, specifying laterality and encounter type.

Fall-related external cause codes

These codes are used to specify the external cause of injury, such as falls.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left tibial fracture

Essential facts and insights about Left Tibial Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a displaced fracture of the shaft of the left tibia, initial encounter, is S82.221A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left tibial fracture

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

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed fracture via imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Initial encounter documentation

Applicable To

  • Closed displaced fracture of left tibial shaft

Excludes

  • Open fracture of left tibia

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray or CT confirming displacement and fracture location
  • Clinical documentation of initial encounter

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation
  • Missing encounter type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality, fracture type, and encounter phase.

Ancillary Codes

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

Fall on same level from slipping

W11.XXXA
Use to specify the external cause of the fracture.

Differential Codes

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

Pathological fracture, right tibia

M84.461A
Use when fracture is due to underlying disease rather than trauma.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Tibial Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S82.221A.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment plans, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Standardize documentation templates, Regular training for staff

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Increased audit risk., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in medical records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like S82.221A with complete documentation.

Impact

Using unspecified codes increases audit risk.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes with complete documentation.

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

Documentation Templates for Left Tibial Fracture

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

Initial Encounter for Displaced Left Tibial Fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination
  • Imaging results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with pain and swelling in the left leg after a fall. X-ray confirms a displaced fracture of the left tibial shaft. Plan for ORIF.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left leg fracture, treat with cast.
Good Documentation Example
Displaced closed fracture of the mid-shaft left tibia with 2 cm posterior angulation, confirmed by CT. Initial encounter for ORIF.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the fracture type, location, and treatment plan.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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