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ICD-10 Coding for Chest Contusion(S20.211A, S20.214A)

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

Also known as:

Thoracic BruiseChest Wall Contusion

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chest Contusion

S20.2Primary Range

Contusion of thorax

This range includes all codes related to contusions of the chest wall, specifying location and laterality.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S20.211AContusion of right front wall of thorax, initial encounterUse when documentation specifies a contusion on the right front wall of the thorax.
  • Physical exam showing right anterior chest tenderness and ecchymosis
  • Imaging confirming absence of rib fracture
S20.214AContusion of middle front wall of thorax, initial encounterUse when documentation specifies a contusion on the middle front wall of the thorax.
  • Physical exam showing middle anterior chest tenderness and ecchymosis
  • Imaging confirming absence of rib fracture

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 chest contusion

Essential facts and insights about Chest Contusion

The ICD-10 code for a right front chest contusion is S20.211A, applicable for initial encounters.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chest contusion

Contusion of right front wall of thorax, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of bruising and tenderness on the right front chest wall.

documentation Criteria

  • Specific mention of 'right front wall' in the medical record.

Applicable To

  • Right anterior chest wall bruise

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical exam showing right anterior chest tenderness and ecchymosis
  • Imaging confirming absence of rib fracture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of denial if unspecified code is used when specific location is documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the exact location and laterality of the contusion.

Ancillary Codes

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

Car occupant injured in collision with fixed or stationary object, initial encounter

V43.54XA
Use to provide context for the cause of the injury.

Struck by object, initial encounter

W22.03XA
Use to provide context for the cause of the injury.

Differential Codes

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

Fracture of rib(s)

S22.3xx
Use S22.3xx if rib fracture is confirmed by imaging.

Pulmonary contusion

S27.3xx
Use S27.3xx if imaging shows lung contusion.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chest Contusion to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S20.211A.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment focus., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document laterality when applicable., Use templates that prompt for specific details.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of medical records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use the most specific code available based on documentation.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when documentation supports specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code available.

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 Chest Contusion, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Chest Contusion

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

MVC with right anterior chest tenderness

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Location and laterality of contusion
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with right anterior chest pain after MVC. Tenderness and ecchymosis noted over right front chest wall. Chest X-ray negative for fractures. Diagnosis: Contusion of right front wall of thorax, initial encounter.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Chest contusion noted.
Good Documentation Example
Right anterior chest wall contusion with tenderness and ecchymosis, no rib fracture.
Explanation
The good example specifies the location and confirms the absence of more severe injuries.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chest Contusion? Ask your questions below.

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