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ICD-10 Coding for Tibial Plateau Fracture(S82.121A)

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

Also known as:

Proximal Tibial FractureKnee Joint Fractureknee fracturetibial condyle fracturetibial plateau fx

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Tibial Plateau Fracture

S82.1Primary Range

Fracture of upper end of tibia

This range includes all tibial plateau fractures, specifying laterality, displacement, and episode of care.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for right tibial plateau fracture

Essential facts and insights about Tibial Plateau Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a displaced fracture of the lateral condyle of the right tibia, initial encounter, is S82.121A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for tibial plateau fracture

Displaced fracture of lateral condyle of right tibia, initial encounter for closed fracture
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed lateral condyle fracture with displacement

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation of initial encounter and closed fracture

Applicable To

  • Displaced lateral condyle fracture of right tibia

Excludes

  • Fracture of tibial shaft
  • Fracture of distal tibia

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirming lateral condyle involvement
  • Documentation of displacement and laterality

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly defaulting to displaced if not specified
  • Missing laterality documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies displacement, laterality, and episode of care.

Ancillary Codes

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

Derangement of meniscus due to old tear or injury

M23.2
Use when there is an associated meniscal injury confirmed by imaging.

Differential Codes

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

Fracture of shaft of tibia

S82.2
Fracture is located in the shaft, not the plateau.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Tibial Plateau Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S82.121A.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment planning and follow-up care., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to incomplete documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates that require laterality., Educate providers on the importance of complete documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care and outcomes.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document whether the fracture is displaced or non-displaced.

Impact

Failure to document displacement status can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for displacement status.

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

Documentation Templates for Tibial Plateau Fracture

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

Initial Encounter for Displaced Lateral Tibial Plateau Fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Fracture location and type
  • Displacement status
  • Laterality
  • Episode of care
  • Associated injuries

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a displaced lateral condyle fracture of the right tibia, confirmed by CT. Initial encounter for closed fracture. Plan for ORIF with lateral locking plate.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right tibial plateau fracture.
Good Documentation Example
Displaced lateral split-depressed right tibial plateau fracture (Schatzker III), closed, initial encounter.
Explanation
The good example includes specific details about the fracture type, displacement, and encounter status, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Tibial Plateau Fracture? Ask your questions below.

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