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ICD-10 Coding for Right Wrist Fracture(S52.501A, S52.531A)

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

Also known as:

Distal Radius FractureColles' FractureSmith's Fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Wrist Fracture

S52.5Primary Range

Fracture of the radius

This range includes specific codes for fractures of the radius, including Colles' and Smith's fractures.

Fracture of the scaphoid bone

This range is relevant for differential diagnosis when carpal involvement is suspected.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S52.501AUnspecified fracture of the right radius, initial encounter for closed fractureUse when the fracture type is not specified but confirmed as closed and initial encounter.
  • Clinical examination and imaging confirming fracture without specific type identified
S52.531AColles' fracture of the right radius, initial encounter for closed fractureUse for Colles' fracture with dorsal displacement confirmed on imaging.
  • X-ray showing dorsal displacement of distal radius

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 wrist fracture

Essential facts and insights about Right Wrist Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a right wrist fracture, specifically a Colles' fracture, is S52.531A for initial encounters.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right wrist fracture

Unspecified fracture of the right radius, initial encounter for closed fracture
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Fracture confirmed by X-ray without specific type identified

Applicable To

  • Initial encounter for closed fracture without intra-articular involvement

Excludes

  • Open fracture of the right radius

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Clinical examination and imaging confirming fracture without specific type identified

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-coding if specific fracture type is not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies closed fracture and initial encounter.

Ancillary Codes

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

Periprosthetic fracture around internal prosthetic joint

M97.24
Use for post-surgical complications involving prosthetic joints.

Differential Codes

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

Fracture of the scaphoid bone

S62.0
Use when carpal involvement is confirmed on imaging.

Smith's fracture of the right radius

S52.541A
Use when volar displacement is confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Wrist Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S52.501A.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate tracking of patient encounters, Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Use coding software prompts for 7th character, Educate staff on encounter-specific coding

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of specificity, Compliance: Increased audit risk for unspecified coding, Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure fracture type (e.g., Colles', Smith's) is documented

Impact

High audit risk due to lack of specificity

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of fracture type and displacement

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

Documentation Templates for Right Wrist Fracture

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

Post-operative documentation for ORIF

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient-reported outcomes
  • Incision status
  • Imaging results
  • Range of motion

Example Documentation

Patient reports improved grip strength. Incision well-healed. X-ray shows anatomic alignment of 3 fragments.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right wrist fracture, follow-up
Good Documentation Example
Closed displaced comminuted intra-articular fracture of right distal radius (3 fragments), Gustilo Type I, initial encounter
Explanation
The good example provides specific fracture details and encounter type, improving coding accuracy.

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

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