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ICD-10 Coding for Right Rotator Cuff Strain(S46.011A)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Right Rotator Cuff Strain. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Right Shoulder Rotator Cuff InjuryRight Rotator Cuff Muscle Strain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Rotator Cuff Strain

S46.0-S46.9Primary Range

Injury of muscle, fascia and tendon at shoulder and upper arm level

This range includes codes for traumatic injuries to the muscles and tendons of the shoulder, including strains.

Shoulder lesions

This range includes codes for non-traumatic shoulder conditions, such as tears and degenerative lesions.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for right rotator cuff strain

Essential facts and insights about Right Rotator Cuff Strain

The ICD-10 code for a right rotator cuff strain is S46.011A, used for initial encounters of traumatic strains.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for right rotator cuff strain

Strain of muscle(s) and tendon(s) of the rotator cuff of right shoulder, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of acute trauma leading to shoulder pain

documentation Criteria

  • Specific mention of 'strain' and 'right shoulder'

Applicable To

  • Acute traumatic strain of right rotator cuff

Excludes

  • Non-traumatic rotator cuff tear (M75.121)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented mechanism of injury (e.g., fall, lifting)
  • Imaging showing strain without full-thickness tear

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as non-traumatic tear
  • Incorrect use for chronic conditions

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies trauma and laterality.

Ancillary Codes

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

Sprain of rotator cuff capsule of right shoulder, initial encounter

S43.421A
Use when there is a concurrent sprain of the rotator cuff capsule.

Differential Codes

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

Complete rotator cuff tear or rupture of right shoulder, not specified as traumatic

M75.121
Use when the tear is due to degeneration or non-traumatic causes.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Rotator Cuff Strain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S46.011A.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit discrepancies., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of the injury event.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Misclassification can result in audit flags., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify the mechanism of injury and document accordingly.

Impact

Failure to document trauma can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes a clear description of the traumatic event.

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 Rotator Cuff Strain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Right Rotator Cuff Strain

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

Acute Right Rotator Cuff Strain

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Anatomic specificity
  • Imaging results

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has shoulder pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with acute right shoulder pain after lifting a heavy object. MRI shows strain of supraspinatus tendon without tear.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the injury and imaging findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Right Rotator Cuff Strain? Ask your questions below.

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