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ICD-10 Coding for Right Radial Head Fracture(S52.121A)

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

Also known as:

Fracture of the radial headRadial head fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Radial Head Fracture

S52.1Primary Range

Fracture of upper end of radius

This range includes all fractures of the radial head, which is part of the upper end of the radius.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for right radial head fracture

Essential facts and insights about Right Radial Head Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a displaced fracture of the right radial head is S52.121A, applicable for initial encounters.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for right radial head fracture

Displaced fracture of head of right radius, initial encounter for closed fracture
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Displacement confirmed by imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Laterality specified as right

Applicable To

  • Displaced Mason Type II fracture

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray or CT confirming displacement
  • Clinical documentation of acute trauma

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation
  • Failure to specify displacement

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and displacement status.

Ancillary Codes

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

Anterior subluxation of right radial head

S53.021A
Use when there is concurrent elbow instability.

Differential Codes

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

Nondisplaced fracture of head of right radius, initial encounter for closed fracture

S52.124A
Use when the fracture is confirmed as nondisplaced.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Radial Head Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S52.121A.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denial.

Mitigation Strategy

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

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific side affected.

Impact

Omissions in laterality can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields for laterality in electronic health records.

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

Documentation Templates for Right Radial Head Fracture

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

Initial encounter for displaced right radial head fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Mechanism of injury
  • Imaging results
  • Physical examination findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute right elbow pain after a fall. X-ray confirms displaced fracture of right radial head. Plan for ORIF with prosthetic replacement.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has a radial head fracture.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has a displaced fracture of the right radial head, confirmed by X-ray, following a fall.
Explanation
The good example specifies laterality, displacement, and mechanism of injury.

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

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