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ICD-10 Coding for Right Rib Contusion(S20.211A)

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

Also known as:

Bruised Right RibRight Thoracic Contusion

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Rib Contusion

S20-S29Primary Range

Injuries to the thorax

This range includes codes for injuries to the thorax, including contusions, fractures, and other traumatic injuries.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for right rib contusion

Essential facts and insights about Right Rib Contusion

The ICD-10 code for a right rib contusion is S20.211A, applicable when there is a documented contusion without fracture.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for right rib contusion

Contusion of right front wall of thorax, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of ecchymosis and tenderness over the right rib area without fracture.

Applicable To

  • Bruising of right rib
  • Right thoracic wall contusion

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Localized pain and tenderness
  • Ecchymosis over the right rib area
  • Imaging confirms absence of fracture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes if laterality is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the right side and confirms the absence of fracture.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other specified injuries of other and unspecified intrathoracic organs, initial encounter

S27.8XXA
Use when there is an associated intrathoracic injury such as pneumothorax.

Differential Codes

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

Fracture of one rib, right side, initial encounter

S22.31XA
Use when imaging confirms a fracture rather than a contusion.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Rib Contusion to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S20.211A.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit failure., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always confirm and document imaging results.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases audit risk due to lack of specificity., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'right' to use S20.211A instead of S20.219A.

Impact

Increased audit risk when using unspecified codes without medical necessity.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the use of specific codes.

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 Rib Contusion, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Right Rib Contusion

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

Emergency Department Visit for MVC

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient history of MVC
  • Pain assessment and location
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with right chest pain post-MVC. Ecchymosis noted over right 5th rib. CXR negative for fracture.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right chest pain, bruising noted.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports right chest pain post-MVC. 4x6 cm ecchymosis over right 5th rib. CXR negative for fracture.
Explanation
The good example includes specific location, size of ecchymosis, and imaging results.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Right Rib Contusion? Ask your questions below.

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