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ICD-10 Coding for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Sprain(S83.511A, S83.512A)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Sprain. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

ACL SprainAnterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Sprain

S83.5Primary Range

Sprain and strain of knee ligaments

This range includes all codes related to sprains of the knee ligaments, specifically the anterior cruciate ligament.

Chronic instability of knee

Used for chronic conditions related to ACL insufficiency or instability.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S83.511ASprain of anterior cruciate ligament of right knee, initial encounterUse for initial encounter of acute right ACL sprain.
  • MRI confirmation of ligament discontinuity
  • Positive Lachman test
S83.512ASprain of anterior cruciate ligament of left knee, initial encounterUse for initial encounter of acute left ACL sprain.
  • MRI confirmation of ligament discontinuity
  • Positive Lachman test

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 ACL sprain

Essential facts and insights about Anterior Cruciate Ligament Sprain

The ICD-10 code for an ACL sprain is S83.511A for the right knee and S83.512A for the left knee, both for initial encounters.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for anterior cruciate ligament sprain

Sprain of anterior cruciate ligament of right knee, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed by MRI and positive Lachman test.

documentation Criteria

  • Specify laterality and encounter type.

Applicable To

  • Acute sprain of right ACL

Excludes

  • Chronic ACL insufficiency (M23.51)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI confirmation of ligament discontinuity
  • Positive Lachman test

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as dislocation
  • Missing laterality

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality and encounter type are documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Fall on same level from slipping, tripping and stumbling

W01.0XXA
Use to describe the external cause of the injury.

Other fall from one level to another

W76.12XA
Use to describe the external cause of the injury.

Differential Codes

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

Dislocation of knee

S83.1
Use when there is joint misalignment.

Tear of meniscus, current injury

S83.2
Use if meniscal tear is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Anterior Cruciate Ligament Sprain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S83.511A.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific anatomical terms, Include imaging results

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use S83.5- for acute traumatic tears.

Impact

Failure to specify laterality can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory laterality checks in EHR.

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 Anterior Cruciate Ligament Sprain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Sprain

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Sprain. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Orthopedic Progress Note

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Subjective
  • Objective
  • Assessment
  • Plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: 35M presents with acute right knee pain after basketball pivot injury. Reports audible 'pop.' **Objective**: Effusion: Moderate, Lachman test: 8mm translation (positive), MRI: Partial ACL tear, no meniscal involvement **Assessment**: Acute sprain of right ACL (S83.511A) **Plan**: PT referral, brace, follow-up in 2 weeks

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Knee pain after fall
Good Documentation Example
Acute sprain of left ACL confirmed by MRI (initial encounter)
Explanation
The good example specifies the ligament, laterality, and encounter type, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Sprain? Ask your questions below.

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