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ICD-10 Coding for Right Hand Injury(S62.521A, S60.401A)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Right Hand Injury. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Injury to Right HandRight Hand Trauma

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Hand Injury

S60-S69Primary Range

Injuries to the wrist, hand, and fingers

This range includes all types of injuries specific to the wrist, hand, and fingers, including fractures, lacerations, and contusions.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S62.521ADisplaced fracture of the distal phalanx of right thumb, initial encounterUse when there is a confirmed displaced fracture of the distal phalanx of the right thumb.
  • X-ray showing cortical disruption and displacement ≥2mm
S60.401AContusion of right hand, initial encounterUse for a bruise or contusion of the right hand without fracture.
  • Physical exam showing swelling and discoloration

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 hand fracture

Essential facts and insights about Right Hand Injury

The ICD-10 code for a displaced fracture of the distal phalanx of the right thumb is S62.521A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right hand injury

Displaced fracture of the distal phalanx of right thumb, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a displaced fracture confirmed by imaging

Applicable To

  • Displaced fracture of distal phalanx of right thumb

Excludes

  • Fracture of other parts of the hand

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray showing cortical disruption and displacement ≥2mm

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure accurate documentation of the fracture type and location to avoid denials.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes the mechanism of injury and specific fracture details.

Ancillary Codes

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

Struck by object, initial encounter

W22.01XA
Use to describe the external cause of the injury.

Differential Codes

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

Nondisplaced fracture of the distal phalanx of right thumb, initial encounter

S62.522A
Use when the fracture is confirmed as nondisplaced.

Fracture of unspecified phalanx of right hand, initial encounter

S62.501A
Use when a fracture is confirmed rather than a contusion.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Hand Injury to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S62.521A.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify right or left hand in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit failures., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of health data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation to support specific code selection.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when specific codes are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation to support specific 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 Right Hand Injury, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Right Hand Injury

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

Right hand fracture from a fall

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Dominant hand
  • Fracture type and location
  • Imaging results
  • Neurovascular status

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a fall onto outstretched hand. X-ray confirms displaced fracture of the distal phalanx of the right thumb. Neurovascular status intact.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right hand injury, needs X-ray.
Good Documentation Example
Patient fell on outstretched hand, X-ray shows displaced fracture of distal phalanx of right thumb.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the injury and confirms the diagnosis with imaging.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Right Hand Injury? Ask your questions below.

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

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