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ICD-10 Coding for Right Tibial Fracture(S82.201A, S82.301A)

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

Also known as:

Fracture of Right TibiaRight Tibia Break

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Tibial Fracture

S82.20-S82.29Primary Range

Fractures of the shaft of the tibia

This range includes codes for fractures of the tibial shaft, which is a common location for tibial fractures.

Fractures of the lower end of the tibia

This range includes codes for fractures of the distal tibia, including pilon fractures.

Fractures of the upper end of the tibia

This range includes codes for fractures of the tibial plateau, which are significant due to joint involvement.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S82.201AUnspecified fracture of shaft of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fractureUse when the fracture is of the shaft of the right tibia and is closed, but specific details like displacement are not documented.
  • X-ray or CT confirming fracture of the tibial shaft
  • Clinical documentation specifying closed fracture
S82.301AFracture of lower end of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fractureUse for fractures involving the distal end of the right tibia, such as pilon fractures.
  • Imaging showing fracture at the distal end of the tibia
  • Documentation of closed fracture

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 tibial fracture

Essential facts and insights about Right Tibial Fracture

The ICD-10 code for an unspecified fracture of the shaft of the right tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture, is S82.201A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right tibial fracture

Unspecified fracture of shaft of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Fracture confirmed by imaging as closed and involving the shaft.

documentation Criteria

  • Lack of specific fracture details such as displacement.

Applicable To

  • Closed fracture of right tibial shaft

Excludes

  • Open fracture of right tibial shaft

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray or CT confirming fracture of the tibial shaft
  • Clinical documentation specifying closed fracture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documentation if displacement or specific fracture type is not specified.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality and encounter type are documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Retained metal fragments

Z18.83
Use if there is retained hardware from previous surgical intervention.

Unspecified fall, initial encounter

W19.XXXA
Use to document the external cause of the fracture if due to a fall.

Differential Codes

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

Displaced transverse fracture of shaft of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture

S82.221A
Use when the fracture is specifically documented as displaced and transverse.

Displaced fracture of lateral condyle of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture

S82.121A
Use when the fracture involves the lateral condyle and is displaced.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Tibial Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S82.201A.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate tracking of patient care episodes., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff to always include encounter type in documentation., Use templates that prompt for encounter type.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate information for treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements., Financial: Incorrect DRG assignment affecting reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure imaging reports are reviewed and included in documentation., Educate providers on the importance of specifying displacement.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data for clinical and administrative use.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document whether the fracture is on the right or left tibia.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect encounter type can affect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate tracking of patient care episodes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure the encounter type is clearly documented in the patient's record.

Impact

Audits may focus on whether documentation includes all necessary details for accurate coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement comprehensive documentation templates and regular training sessions.

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

Documentation Templates for Right Tibial Fracture

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

Orthopedic Progress Note for Post-Op Tibial Fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
  • Findings
  • Plan

Example Documentation

**Diagnosis**: Closed displaced spiral fracture of right tibial shaft (S82.241A) **Procedure**: Open reduction with intramedullary nailing (CPT 27759-RT) **Findings**: - 12° anterior angulation on pre-op CT - Intact peroneal nerve function - No compartment syndrome **Plan**: Weight-bearing restrictions ×6 weeks. Follow-up X-ray in 2 weeks.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right tibia fracture treated with surgery.
Good Documentation Example
Closed displaced spiral fracture of right tibial shaft treated with open reduction and intramedullary nailing. 12° anterior angulation corrected. Follow-up in 2 weeks.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the fracture type, treatment, and follow-up plan, which are essential for accurate coding and billing.

Emergency Department Note for Initial Encounter

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of Injury
  • Imaging
  • Neurovascular Status
  • Disposition

Example Documentation

**Mechanism**: Fall from 8-foot ladder onto right leg **Imaging**: X-ray reveals comminuted fracture of right tibial shaft with 1cm shortening (S82.252A) **Neurovascular**: DP/PT pulses intact; no open wounds **Disposition**: Consult orthopedics for intramedullary nailing

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient fell and broke leg.
Good Documentation Example
Patient fell from 8-foot ladder, resulting in comminuted fracture of right tibial shaft with 1cm shortening. Neurovascular status intact. Orthopedic consult requested.
Explanation
The good example provides a detailed account of the injury mechanism, specific fracture details, and the plan for orthopedic consultation, which are crucial for accurate coding.

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

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