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ICD-10 Coding for Proximal Femur Fracture(S72.001A, M84.451A)

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

Also known as:

Hip FractureFemoral Neck FractureIntertrochanteric Fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Proximal Femur Fracture

S72.0-S72.2Primary Range

Fractures of the femur

These codes cover traumatic fractures of the proximal femur, including femoral neck, intertrochanteric, and subtrochanteric fractures.

Pathological fracture in neoplastic disease

This range is used for pathological fractures of the femur due to conditions like osteoporosis or metastatic disease.

Periprosthetic fracture around internal prosthetic joint

Used for fractures occurring around a prosthetic joint, often in conjunction with traumatic fracture codes.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S72.001AUnspecified fracture of right femoral neck, initial encounterUse for initial encounter of a traumatic fracture of the right femoral neck.
  • X-ray confirmation of fracture
  • Clinical history of trauma
M84.451APathological fracture of right femur, initial encounterUse for initial encounter of a pathological fracture of the right femur due to osteoporosis.
  • DEXA scan showing osteoporosis
  • Lack of significant trauma

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 right proximal femur fracture

Essential facts and insights about Proximal Femur Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a right proximal femur fracture, unspecified, is S72.001A for the initial encounter.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for proximal femur fracture

Unspecified fracture of right femoral neck, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of trauma and X-ray confirmation

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of fracture type and encounter

Applicable To

  • Traumatic fracture of right femoral neck

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray confirmation of fracture
  • Clinical history of trauma

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure laterality is documented
  • Specify encounter type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies whether the fracture is open or closed.

Ancillary Codes

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

Periprosthetic fracture around right hip joint, initial encounter

M97.01XA
Use alongside primary traumatic fracture codes when a prosthetic joint is involved.

Differential Codes

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

Pathological fracture of right femur, initial encounter

M84.451A
Use when fracture is due to underlying disease without significant trauma.

Unspecified fracture of right femoral neck, initial encounter

S72.001A
Use when fracture is due to trauma.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Proximal Femur Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S72.001A.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to vague clinical records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific details like laterality and encounter type.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the side of the fracture (right or left).

Impact

Using incorrect codes for fracture types can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation and correct code selection.

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

Documentation Templates for Proximal Femur Fracture

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

Traumatic Femoral Neck Fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Fracture type and location
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient is a 75-year-old female who fell from standing height, resulting in a displaced fracture of the right femoral neck. X-ray confirms the fracture.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right hip fracture.
Good Documentation Example
Displaced traumatic intertrochanteric fracture of right femur due to fall from standing height; Gustilo type I.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the fracture type, location, and mechanism, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Proximal Femur Fracture? Ask your questions below.

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