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ICD-10 Coding for Ulnar Styloid Fracture(S52.611, S52.612)

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

Also known as:

Styloid Process of Ulna FractureUlna Styloid Fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Ulnar Styloid Fracture

S52.61-S52.62Primary Range

Fracture of the ulnar styloid process

This range covers both displaced and nondisplaced fractures of the ulnar styloid process, which are the primary focus for coding this condition.

Physeal fracture of ulna

This range is relevant for cases involving physeal fractures, which may occur concurrently with ulnar styloid fractures.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S52.611Displaced fracture of the styloid process of the right ulnaUse when there is a displaced fracture of the right ulnar styloid process.
  • Radiographic evidence of displacement ≥2mm
  • Clinical assessment of DRUJ stability
S52.612Nondisplaced fracture of the styloid process of the right ulnaUse when there is a nondisplaced fracture of the right ulnar styloid process.
  • Radiographic evidence showing no displacement
  • Clinical confirmation of fracture stability

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 displaced ulnar styloid fracture

Essential facts and insights about Ulnar Styloid Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a displaced ulnar styloid fracture is S52.611 for the right ulna and S52.621 for the left ulna.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for ulnar styloid fracture

Displaced fracture of the styloid process of the right ulna
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of ≥2mm displacement on radiograph

documentation Criteria

  • Documented DRUJ stability assessment

Applicable To

  • Displaced fracture at the base of the styloid process

Excludes

  • Nondisplaced fracture of the styloid process

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Radiographic evidence of displacement ≥2mm
  • Clinical assessment of DRUJ stability

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as nondisplaced when displacement is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies displacement and laterality.

Ancillary Codes

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

Physeal fracture of the right ulna

S59.011
Use when there is concurrent physeal involvement.

Physeal fracture of the left ulna

S59.012
Use when there is concurrent physeal involvement.

Differential Codes

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

Nondisplaced fracture of the styloid process of the right ulna

S52.612
Use when there is no displacement of the fracture.

Displaced fracture of the styloid process of the right ulna

S52.611
Use when displacement is confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Ulnar Styloid Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S52.611.

Impact

Clinical: May affect treatment decisions and outcomes., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials due to incomplete documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Include DRUJ stability assessment in all fracture evaluations, Use standardized templates for fracture documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or delays., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify right or left in the documentation.

Impact

Failure to document key fracture details can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Use comprehensive templates and checklists for fracture documentation.

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 Ulnar Styloid Fracture, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Ulnar Styloid Fracture

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

Initial assessment of ulnar styloid fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history and mechanism of injury
  • Radiographic findings
  • Assessment of DRUJ stability
  • Plan for treatment

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a fall on an outstretched hand. Radiographs show a displaced fracture of the right ulnar styloid process with 3mm radial displacement. DRUJ stability confirmed. Plan for percutaneous fixation.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Ulnar styloid fracture noted.
Good Documentation Example
Displaced fracture of the right ulnar styloid process with 3mm displacement, DRUJ stable.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on displacement, laterality, and stability, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Ulnar Styloid Fracture? Ask your questions below.

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