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ICD-10 Coding for Concussion(S06.0X0A, S06.0X1A)

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

Also known as:

Mild Traumatic Brain InjuryMTBIMinor Head Injury

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Concussion

S06.0X0-S06.0X9Primary Range

Concussion with varying durations of loss of consciousness

This range covers all concussion diagnoses with specific codes for different durations of loss of consciousness.

Post-concussive syndrome

Used for sequelae of concussion, indicating persistent symptoms beyond the acute phase.

External causes of falls

These codes are used to specify the external cause of the concussion, such as falls.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S06.0X0AConcussion without loss of consciousness, initial encounterUse when a patient is diagnosed with a concussion and there is no loss of consciousness.
  • Clinical diagnosis of concussion without any reported LOC
  • Negative imaging results
S06.0X1AConcussion with loss of consciousness of 30 minutes or less, initial encounterUse when a patient has a concussion with a documented LOC of 30 minutes or less.
  • Documented LOC of 30 minutes or less
  • Clinical symptoms consistent with concussion

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 concussion without LOC

Essential facts and insights about Concussion

The ICD-10 code for concussion without loss of consciousness is S06.0X0A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for concussion

Concussion without loss of consciousness, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • No loss of consciousness reported by patient or witnesses

Applicable To

  • Concussion without LOC

Excludes

  • Traumatic brain injury with LOC

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Clinical diagnosis of concussion without any reported LOC
  • Negative imaging results

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding when LOC is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states no LOC occurred.

Ancillary Codes

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

Unspecified fall, initial encounter

W19.XXXA
Use to specify the external cause of the concussion.

Struck by baseball, initial encounter

W21.12XA
Use to specify the external cause of the concussion.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified intracranial injury without LOC, initial encounter

S06.9X0A
Use when the specific type of head injury is not determined.

Concussion with unspecified duration of LOC, initial encounter

S06.0X9A
Use when LOC duration is not documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Concussion to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S06.0X0A.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate understanding of injury context, Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines, Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for related services

Mitigation Strategy

Always ask about and document the mechanism of injury, Use external cause codes appropriately

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health data records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific duration of LOC when available.

Impact

Inaccurate or missing documentation of LOC duration can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement standardized documentation protocols for LOC.

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

Documentation Templates for Concussion

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

Initial Evaluation of Concussion in Emergency Department

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Duration of LOC
  • Symptoms
  • Imaging results
  • Plan of care

Example Documentation

Patient presents after being struck by a baseball (W21.12XA), with a 5-minute LOC. CT head negative. Symptoms include headache and dizziness. Plan: observation and follow-up with primary care.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient hit head, feels dizzy.
Good Documentation Example
Patient struck by baseball, 5-minute LOC, CT negative, headache and dizziness present.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the mechanism, LOC, and symptoms, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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

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