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ICD-10 Coding for Right Distal Tibia Fracture(S82.841A, S82.841K)

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

Also known as:

Fracture of the lower end of the right tibiaRight tibial pilon fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Distal Tibia Fracture

S82.84Primary Range

Other fracture of lower end of tibia

This range includes fractures of the distal tibia, which is the primary focus of this documentation.

Fracture of lateral malleolus

This range is relevant for coding concurrent fractures of the distal fibula.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S82.841AOther fracture of lower end of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fractureUse this code for initial encounters of closed fractures of the right distal tibia.
  • X-ray or CT confirming fracture location in distal tibia
  • Clinical documentation specifying 'distal' and 'right'
S82.841KOther fracture of lower end of right tibia, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunionUse for subsequent encounters when the fracture has not healed and nonunion is confirmed.
  • CT or X-ray showing nonunion at fracture site
  • Clinical documentation of nonunion status

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 distal tibia fracture

Essential facts and insights about Right Distal Tibia Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a right distal tibia fracture is S82.841A for initial encounters of closed fractures.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right distal tibia fracture

Other fracture of lower end of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify 'distal' and 'right' for accurate coding.

Applicable To

  • Closed fracture of right distal tibia

Excludes

  • Fracture of shaft of tibia (S82.20-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray or CT confirming fracture location in distal tibia
  • Clinical documentation specifying 'distal' and 'right'

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as a shaft fracture if 'distal' is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'distal' to avoid coding errors.

Ancillary Codes

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

Fracture of lateral malleolus of right fibula, initial encounter for closed fracture

S82.641A
Use when there is a concurrent fracture of the distal fibula.

Differential Codes

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

Fracture of shaft of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture

S82.201A
Use for fractures located in the mid-diaphysis, not the distal end.

Other fracture of lower end of right tibia, subsequent encounter for fracture with routine healing

S82.841B
Use when the fracture is healing as expected without complications.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Distal Tibia Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S82.841A.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials due to unspecified codes.

Mitigation Strategy

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

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims or incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Misclassification may result in compliance issues during audits., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'distal' to differentiate from shaft fractures.

Impact

Risk of audits due to non-specific fracture coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates and ensure imaging supports 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 Right Distal Tibia Fracture, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Right Distal Tibia Fracture

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

Initial Orthopedic Evaluation

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Imaging findings
  • Neurovascular status
  • Fracture specifics (location, displacement)

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a displaced fracture of the right distal tibia following a fall. X-ray confirms a comminuted fracture with 5mm displacement. Neurovascular status intact.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right tibia fracture.
Good Documentation Example
Displaced fracture of the right distal tibia with 5mm displacement, confirmed by X-ray.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location and displacement details, essential for accurate coding.

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

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