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ICD-10 Coding for Left Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture(S82.832A)

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

Also known as:

Trimalleolar Fracture of the Left AnkleLeft Ankle Trimalleolar Fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture

S82.8Primary Range

Fracture of other parts of lower leg

This range includes specific codes for fractures of the lower leg, including trimalleolar fractures.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left trimalleolar ankle fracture

Essential facts and insights about Left Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a displaced trimalleolar fracture of the left lower fibula is S82.832A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left trimalleolar ankle fracture

Displaced trimalleolar fracture of left lower fibula, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of fractures in medial, lateral, and posterior malleoli confirmed by imaging.

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of displacement and laterality in clinical notes.

Applicable To

  • Displaced fracture of medial, lateral, and posterior malleoli

Excludes

  • Bimalleolar fractures
  • Pilon fractures

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray or CT showing fractures of medial, lateral, and posterior malleoli
  • Clinical notes indicating displacement and laterality

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure documentation specifies displacement and laterality to avoid miscoding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure clear documentation of all three malleoli being fractured and any surgical interventions performed.

Ancillary Codes

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

Open treatment of trimalleolar fracture with posterior lip fixation

27823
Use when surgical fixation of the posterior malleolus is performed.

Differential Codes

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

Bimalleolar fracture of left lower leg, initial encounter

S82.84XA
Use when only two malleoli are fractured, excluding the posterior malleolus.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S82.832A.

Impact

Clinical: Can lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for laterality., Implement double-check systems before finalizing documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: May result in compliance issues during audits., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify imaging and clinical notes to ensure all three malleoli are fractured.

Impact

Misclassification of trimalleolar fractures as bimalleolar.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on fracture classification and coding updates.

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

Documentation Templates for Left Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture

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

Emergency Department Initial Assessment

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient presentation and mechanism of injury
  • Imaging results confirming trimalleolar fracture
  • Initial treatment and reduction attempts

Example Documentation

Patient presents with severe left ankle pain after fall. X-ray confirms displaced trimalleolar fracture. Reduction performed in ED.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left ankle fracture noted.
Good Documentation Example
Displaced trimalleolar fracture of left ankle with 4mm posterior malleolar displacement.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of fracture and displacement, aiding accurate coding.

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

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