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ICD-10 Coding for Fractured Femur(S72.001A, M80.051D)

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

Also known as:

Femoral FractureBroken Thigh Bone

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Fractured Femur

S72.0-S72.9Primary Range

Fracture of femur

This range covers all types of femoral fractures, including neck, shaft, and distal end fractures.

Osteoporosis with current pathological fracture

Relevant for fractures due to osteoporosis, indicating a pathological cause.

Fracture of bone following insertion of orthopedic implant, joint prosthesis, or bone plate

Used for periprosthetic fractures occurring around orthopedic implants.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S72.001AFracture of unspecified part of neck of femur, initial encounter for closed fractureUse for initial encounter of a closed femoral neck fracture when specific location is not documented.
  • X-ray or CT scan confirming fracture
  • Clinical examination indicating fracture
M80.051DAge-related osteoporosis with current pathological fracture, right femur, subsequent encounterUse for subsequent encounters of pathological fractures due to osteoporosis.
  • Bone density scan showing osteoporosis
  • Clinical history of osteoporosis

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 fractured femur

Essential facts and insights about Fractured Femur

The ICD-10 code for a fractured femur depends on the specific fracture type and location, such as S72.001A for a closed femoral neck fracture.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for fractured femur

Fracture of unspecified part of neck of femur, initial encounter for closed fracture
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed fracture via imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of fracture type and location

Applicable To

  • Closed fracture of femoral neck

Excludes

  • Pathological fracture (M84.4-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray or CT scan confirming fracture
  • Clinical examination indicating fracture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document the type of fracture and any associated conditions.

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 describe the external cause of the fracture if applicable.

Differential Codes

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

Pathological fracture in neoplastic disease, initial encounter

M84.451A
Use when fracture is due to underlying neoplastic disease.

Fracture of unspecified part of neck of femur, subsequent encounter for closed fracture

S72.001D
Use for traumatic fractures, not pathological.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Fractured Femur to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S72.001A.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete patient history., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim rejections.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document how the injury occurred., Use appropriate external cause codes.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the laterality of the fracture.

Impact

Risk of audits due to incorrect coding of fracture type or laterality.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular training for coding staff on fracture coding guidelines.

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

Documentation Templates for Fractured Femur

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

Initial encounter for closed femoral neck fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with pain in the right hip after a fall. X-ray confirms a closed fracture of the right femoral neck. Plan for surgical intervention.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has a hip fracture.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with a closed fracture of the right femoral neck confirmed by X-ray. Plan for ORIF.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the fracture type, location, and treatment plan.

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

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