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ICD-10 Coding for Right Shoulder Fracture(S42.201A, S42.211A)

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

Also known as:

Fracture of Right ShoulderRight Proximal Humerus Fracturefracture right humerus

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Shoulder Fracture

S42.2Primary Range

Fracture of upper end of humerus

This range includes the most common types of right shoulder fractures, particularly those involving the proximal humerus.

Pathological fracture, not elsewhere classified

This range is used for pathological fractures of the shoulder due to underlying conditions like osteoporosis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S42.201AUnspecified displaced fracture of right proximal humerus, initial encounterUse when the fracture is confirmed as displaced but specific details are not documented.
  • X-ray or CT confirming displacement
S42.211A2-part displaced surgical neck fracture, right shoulder, initial encounterUse when documentation specifies a 2-part fracture at the surgical neck.
  • Imaging showing 2-part fracture at surgical neck

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 right shoulder fracture

Essential facts and insights about Right Shoulder Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a right shoulder fracture, specifically a displaced fracture of the proximal humerus, is S42.201A for initial encounters.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for fracture right shoulder

Unspecified displaced fracture of right proximal humerus, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed displacement on imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Lack of specific fracture details

Applicable To

  • Displaced fracture of right proximal humerus

Excludes

  • Pathological fracture of right shoulder (M84.411A)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray or CT confirming displacement

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documenting specific fracture details

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.

Fall from slipping on ice, initial encounter

W00.0XXA
Use to describe the external cause of the fracture.

Car accident occupant, initial encounter

V43.52XA
Use to describe the external cause if applicable.

Differential Codes

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

Pathological fracture, right shoulder

M84.411A
Use when fracture is due to an underlying disease like osteoporosis.

Displaced fracture of greater tuberosity, right shoulder, initial encounter

S42.231A
Use when fracture involves the greater tuberosity.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Shoulder Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S42.201A.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture of injury circumstances., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for related services.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the mechanism of injury., Use external cause codes to provide context.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes detailed fracture description and laterality.

Impact

Coding fractures without specifying type and laterality increases audit risk.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation and use of specific ICD-10 codes.

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 Right Shoulder Fracture, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Right Shoulder Fracture

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

Emergency Department Visit for Right Shoulder Fracture

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Mechanism of injury
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

**HPI**: 68F presents after fall onto outstretched right arm. Immediate pain/swelling. Arm held in adduction. **Exam**: Tenderness over right greater tuberosity. Neurovascular intact. **Imaging**: X-ray reveals displaced fracture of right greater tuberosity (8mm retraction). No dislocation. **Assessment**: Displaced right greater tuberosity fracture (S42.231A). **Plan**: Sling immobilization. Ortho follow-up in 7 days.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right shoulder fracture.
Good Documentation Example
Displaced 3-part fracture of right surgical neck and greater tuberosity with 5mm retraction.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the fracture type, location, and displacement, which are necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Right Shoulder Fracture? Ask your questions below.

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