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ICD-10 Coding for Proximal Tibia Fracture(S82.121A, S82.141A)

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

Also known as:

Tibial Plateau FractureUpper Tibia Fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Proximal Tibia Fracture

S82.1Primary Range

Fracture of upper end of tibia

This range includes specific codes for fractures of the proximal tibia, including lateral and medial condyle fractures.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S82.121ADisplaced fracture of lateral condyle of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fractureUse for initial encounter of displaced lateral condyle fracture of the right tibia.
  • CT-confirmed depression >3mm
  • Joint instability
  • ORIF planned
S82.141ADisplaced fracture of medial condyle of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fractureUse for initial encounter of displaced medial condyle fracture of the right tibia.
  • Varus deformity
  • Medial joint line tenderness

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 proximal tibia fracture

Essential facts and insights about Proximal Tibia Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a displaced lateral condyle fracture of the right tibia is S82.121A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for proximal tibia fracture

Displaced fracture of lateral condyle of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • CT shows >3mm articular depression

documentation Criteria

  • Surgical plan includes ORIF

Applicable To

  • Displaced lateral condyle fracture

Excludes

  • Fracture of shaft of tibia (S82.2)
  • Physeal fracture of tibia (S89.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CT-confirmed depression >3mm
  • Joint instability
  • ORIF planned

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation
  • Missing displacement status

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and displacement.

Ancillary Codes

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

Internal derangement of knee

M23.-
Use if there is associated meniscal or ligamentous injury.

Differential Codes

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

Displaced fracture of medial condyle of right tibia

S82.141A
Use when the fracture involves the medial condyle rather than the lateral.

Displaced fracture of lateral condyle of right tibia

S82.121A
Use when the fracture involves the lateral condyle rather than the medial.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Proximal Tibia Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S82.121A.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical assessment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document displacement status in clinical notes., Review imaging reports for displacement details.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify and document the correct side of the fracture.

Impact

Use of unspecified codes without supporting documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes specific details required for precise coding.

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

Documentation Templates for Proximal Tibia Fracture

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

Initial Encounter for Displaced Lateral Condyle Fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Imaging results
  • Clinical findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with right knee pain after fall. CT shows 8mm lateral joint depression. Plan: ORIF with lateral locking plate.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Tibial plateau fracture – treat surgically.
Good Documentation Example
8mm lateral joint depression on CT, Schatzker type II, requiring ORIF with lateral locking plate.
Explanation
The good example provides specific imaging findings and a detailed treatment plan.

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

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