Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Sprain of Right Shoulder(S43.401A, S43.41XA)

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

Also known as:

Right Shoulder Ligament InjuryRight AC Joint Sprain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Sprain of Right Shoulder

S43.4-Primary Range

Sprains and strains of shoulder joint and ligaments

This range includes all sprains related to the shoulder joint, focusing on ligament injuries.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S43.401AUnspecified sprain of right shoulder joint, initial encounterUse when the specific ligament or joint involved is not documented.
  • Physical exam showing tenderness and limited range of motion
  • Absence of neurological symptoms
S43.41XASprain of acromioclavicular joint of right shoulder, initial encounterUse when the sprain involves the acromioclavicular joint.
  • Positive cross-body adduction test
  • Tenderness over AC joint

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 sprain

Essential facts and insights about Sprain of Right Shoulder

The ICD-10 code for an unspecified sprain of the right shoulder is S43.401A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for sprain of right shoulder

Unspecified sprain of right shoulder joint, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of shoulder pain and tenderness without specific ligament identification.

Applicable To

  • General sprain of right shoulder

Excludes

  • Strain of right shoulder (S46.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical exam showing tenderness and limited range of motion
  • Absence of neurological symptoms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of denial if more specific codes are applicable.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the ligament involved if possible.

Ancillary Codes

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

Unspecified fall, initial encounter

W19.XXXA
Use to specify the external cause of the injury.

Pain in right shoulder

M25.511
Use if chronic pain persists beyond the acute phase.

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 right shoulder

S46.011A
Strains involve muscles or tendons, not ligaments.

Dislocation of acromioclavicular joint of right shoulder, initial encounter

S43.151A
Dislocations involve joint displacement, confirmed by imaging.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Sprain of Right Shoulder to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S43.401A.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate clinical picture for treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials due to incomplete documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include a detailed description of how the injury occurred.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like S43.41XA when the AC joint is involved.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when specific codes are applicable.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code possible.

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

Documentation Templates for Sprain of Right Shoulder

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

Initial Emergency Department Visit

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

34M presents with acute right shoulder pain after mountain bike crash. Heard 'pop' during impact.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has right shoulder pain after fall.
Good Documentation Example
Acute tenderness over right AC joint with positive O'Brien's test; X-ray negative for fracture. Mechanism: Direct impact to lateral shoulder during football tackle 10/28/25.
Explanation
The good example provides specific findings and mechanism, supporting accurate coding.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more