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ICD-10 Coding for Rotator Cuff Repair(S46.011A, M75.111)

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

Also known as:

Shoulder Tendon RepairSupraspinatus Repair

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Rotator Cuff Repair

S46.0Primary Range

Injury of muscle and tendon of the rotator cuff of shoulder

This range includes codes for traumatic injuries to the rotator cuff, which are primary for acute tears.

Rotator cuff syndrome

This range includes codes for non-traumatic rotator cuff conditions, relevant for chronic degenerative tears.

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 tears of the right rotator cuff.
  • Documented mechanism of injury
  • Imaging confirming acute tear
M75.111Incomplete rotator cuff tear or rupture of right shoulder, not specified as traumaticUse for chronic degenerative tears of the right rotator cuff.
  • Chronic shoulder pain history
  • Imaging showing degenerative changes

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 traumatic rotator cuff tear

Essential facts and insights about Rotator Cuff Repair

The ICD-10 code for a traumatic rotator cuff tear of the right shoulder is S46.011A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for rotator cuff repair

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

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of trauma leading to the tear

Applicable To

  • Traumatic tear of right rotator cuff

Excludes

  • Non-traumatic rotator cuff tear

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented mechanism of injury
  • Imaging confirming acute tear

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding chronic tears as acute

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the traumatic nature of the tear.

Ancillary Codes

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

Patient's intentional underdosing of medication regimen for other reason

Z91.128
Use for documenting aftercare following surgical repair.

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 the tear is degenerative rather than traumatic.

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

S46.011A
Use when the tear is due to a specific traumatic event.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical records, Regulatory: Potential for audit discrepancies, Financial: Denied claims or incorrect reimbursement

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for tear chronicity, Educate staff on documentation requirements

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: May result in audits if documentation does not support the code., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data and patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Base chronicity on the presence of trauma, not time since injury.

Impact

Missing laterality in documentation can lead to claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields for laterality in EHR templates.

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

Documentation Templates for Rotator Cuff Repair

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

Arthroscopic repair of traumatic rotator cuff tear

Specialty: Orthopedic Surgery

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Imaging results
  • Repair technique

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Rotator cuff tear repaired arthroscopically.
Good Documentation Example
Arthroscopic repair of full-thickness traumatic rotator cuff tear (3 cm) right shoulder, confirmed on pre-op MRI.
Explanation
The good example includes laterality, tear chronicity, and mechanism of injury.

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

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