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ICD-10 Coding for TFCC Tear(S63.592A, M24.231)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for TFCC Tear. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex TearWrist Ligament Tear

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to TFCC Tear

S63.5-Primary Range

Sprain and strain of wrist and hand

Used for traumatic TFCC tears, indicating an acute injury.

Disorder of ligament

Used for non-traumatic or degenerative TFCC tears.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S63.592ASprain of other specified parts of left wrist, initial encounterFor acute, traumatic TFCC tears with a clear injury mechanism.
  • Acute mechanism of injury
  • Positive piano key sign
  • MRI showing peripheral TFCC tear
M24.231Disorder of ligament, left wristFor chronic, degenerative TFCC tears without recent trauma.
  • Chronic ulnar-sided wrist pain
  • MRI showing degenerative changes
  • No history of acute trauma

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 TFCC tear

Essential facts and insights about TFCC Tear

The ICD-10 code for a traumatic TFCC tear is S63.592A, while a degenerative TFCC tear is coded as M24.231.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for tfcc tear

Sprain of other specified parts of left wrist, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of acute trauma and positive clinical tests

documentation Criteria

  • Clear documentation of trauma and initial encounter

Applicable To

  • Acute TFCC tear

Excludes

  • Degenerative TFCC tear

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Acute mechanism of injury
  • Positive piano key sign
  • MRI showing peripheral TFCC tear

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as degenerative without trauma context

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies traumatic nature and laterality.

Ancillary Codes

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

Sprain of other specified parts of wrist, subsequent encounter

S63.59XD
For follow-up visits after initial treatment.

Differential Codes

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

Disorder of ligament, left wrist

M24.231
Used for degenerative or non-traumatic TFCC tears.

Sprain of other specified parts of left wrist, initial encounter

S63.592A
Used for acute, traumatic TFCC tears.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting TFCC Tear to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S63.592A.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment records, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim rejections

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for laterality, Regular training on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential claim denials due to mismatched codes, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation

Mitigation Strategy

Verify the presence of trauma in the patient's history.

Impact

Risk of audits due to misclassification of traumatic vs. degenerative tears.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of trauma history and imaging findings.

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 TFCC Tear, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for TFCC Tear

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for TFCC Tear. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute TFCC tear

Specialty: Orthopedic Surgery

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Clinical tests results
  • Imaging findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute wrist pain after fall. MRI confirms peripheral TFCC tear. Positive piano key sign.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
TFCC tear noted.
Good Documentation Example
Acute TFCC tear of left wrist due to fall, confirmed by MRI.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the injury and confirmation method.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for TFCC Tear? Ask your questions below.

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