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ICD-10 Coding for Right Shoulder Trauma(S46.011A, S42.011A)

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

Also known as:

Right Shoulder InjuryRight Shoulder StrainRight Shoulder Pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Shoulder Trauma

S40-S49Primary Range

Injuries to the shoulder and upper arm

This range includes all traumatic injuries to the shoulder, including fractures, dislocations, and strains.

Shoulder lesions

This range includes non-traumatic shoulder conditions, such as rotator cuff tears and tendinitis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S46.011AStrain of muscle(s) and tendon(s) of the rotator cuff of right shoulder, initial encounterUse for acute traumatic injuries to the rotator cuff of the right shoulder.
  • Documented traumatic mechanism (e.g., fall onto outstretched arm)
  • Positive Hawkins/Kennedy test
  • MRI showing edema but no full-thickness tear
S42.011AFracture of clavicle, right, initial encounterUse for acute fractures of the right clavicle confirmed by imaging.
  • X-ray confirmation of fracture
  • Documented traumatic mechanism

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 shoulder trauma

Essential facts and insights about Right Shoulder Trauma

The ICD-10 code for right shoulder trauma, specifically a rotator cuff strain, is S46.011A for the initial encounter.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right shoulder trauma

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

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of traumatic event leading to shoulder pain

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of the mechanism of injury

Applicable To

  • Acute traumatic rotator cuff strain

Excludes

  • Non-traumatic rotator cuff tear (M75.111)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented traumatic mechanism (e.g., fall onto outstretched arm)
  • Positive Hawkins/Kennedy test
  • MRI showing edema but no full-thickness tear

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with non-traumatic conditions
  • Incorrect 7th character for encounter type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the traumatic nature and laterality of the injury.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in right shoulder

M25.511
Use to document pain when it is the primary symptom without a specific traumatic injury.

Other specified injuries of right shoulder and upper arm, initial encounter

S49.81XA
Use for other specified injuries not classified elsewhere.

Differential Codes

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

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

M75.111
Use when there is no history of trauma and symptoms are chronic.

Sprain of acromioclavicular joint of right shoulder, initial encounter

S43.401A
Use when there is a sprain without fracture.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Leads to ambiguity in treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document 'right' or 'left' in the assessment., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use S46.011A for traumatic injuries with specific mechanism documented.

Impact

Use of unspecified codes can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies laterality and encounter type.

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 Shoulder Trauma, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Right Shoulder Trauma

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

Acute Right Shoulder Trauma in Emergency Department

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results
  • Diagnosis

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has shoulder pain. Will order PT.
Good Documentation Example
45yo male presents after fall from ladder onto right shoulder. Positive drop-arm test and painful arc. MRI shows partial-thickness supraspinatus tear without retraction. Diagnosed with acute right rotator cuff strain.
Explanation
The good example includes specific details about the mechanism of injury, physical exam findings, and imaging results, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Right Shoulder Trauma? Ask your questions below.

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