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ICD-10 Coding for Sprain of Left Shoulder(S43.422A)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Sprain of Left Shoulder. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Left Shoulder Ligament InjuryLeft Rotator Cuff Sprain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Sprain of Left Shoulder

S43.4Primary Range

Sprain and strain of shoulder joint

This range includes all sprains and strains related to the shoulder joint, specifically the left shoulder in this context.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left shoulder sprain

Essential facts and insights about Sprain of Left Shoulder

The ICD-10 code for a sprain of the left shoulder is S43.422A, applicable for initial encounters.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for sprain of left shoulder

Sprain of left rotator cuff capsule, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of ligament-specific pain and positive imaging findings

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed mechanism of injury and physical exam findings

Applicable To

  • Acute sprain of left rotator cuff ligaments

Excludes

  • Strain of left rotator cuff (S46.012A)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Mechanism of injury such as a fall
  • Physical exam findings like tenderness over the AC joint
  • Imaging results confirming ligament injury

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with strain codes
  • Omitting external cause codes for traumatic injuries

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the left shoulder and includes details of the injury mechanism.

Ancillary Codes

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

Fall from ladder, initial encounter

W11.XXXA
Use when the injury is due to a fall from a ladder.

Construction site as the place of occurrence

Y92.6
Use to specify the location of the injury occurrence.

Differential Codes

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

Strain of muscle(s) and tendon(s) of the rotator cuff of left shoulder

S46.012A
Strains involve muscle or tendon injury, whereas sprains involve ligaments.

Sprain of left acromioclavicular joint

S43.52XA
Specific to the AC joint, not the rotator cuff capsule.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Sprain of Left Shoulder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S43.422A.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture of the injury event., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the cause and location of the injury., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials or incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Misclassification affects compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of clinical data and reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies ligament involvement for sprains.

Impact

Failure to document the mechanism and location of injury.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates and checklists.

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 Sprain of Left Shoulder, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Sprain of Left Shoulder

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

Acute sprain of left shoulder due to fall

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Pain location and severity
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with left shoulder pain after falling from a ladder. Exam shows tenderness over the AC joint and limited ROM. MRI confirms ligament sprain.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left shoulder pain after fall.
Good Documentation Example
Grade II sprain of left coracohumeral ligament confirmed by MRI; fell from 6-foot ladder at construction site.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the injury mechanism and clinical findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Sprain of Left Shoulder? Ask your questions below.

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