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ICD-10 Coding for Hamstring Tear(S76.311A, S76.312A)

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

Also known as:

Hamstring StrainPosterior Thigh Muscle Tear

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hamstring Tear

S76.3XXPrimary Range

Injury of muscle, fascia and tendon at thigh level

This range includes codes for traumatic injuries to the hamstring muscles, which are common in sports and physical activities.

Spontaneous rupture of other tendons, thigh

This range is used for nontraumatic, spontaneous ruptures of tendons in the thigh, which are less common than traumatic tears.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S76.311AStrain of muscle, fascia and tendon of the posterior muscle group at thigh level, right thigh, initial encounterUse for initial encounters of acute hamstring tears in the right thigh.
  • MRI showing tear in the right posterior thigh muscle
  • Physical exam indicating acute pain and limited range of motion
S76.312AStrain of muscle, fascia and tendon of the posterior muscle group at thigh level, left thigh, initial encounterUse for initial encounters of acute hamstring tears in the left thigh.
  • MRI showing tear in the left posterior thigh muscle
  • Physical exam indicating acute pain and limited range of motion

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 hamstring tear

Essential facts and insights about Hamstring Tear

The ICD-10 code for a hamstring tear is S76.311A for the right thigh and S76.312A for the left thigh, used for initial encounters.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hamstring tear

Strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of the posterior muscle group at thigh level, right thigh, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of acute pain and MRI confirmation of tear

coding Criteria

  • Initial encounter for right thigh injury

Applicable To

  • Acute hamstring tear
  • Right thigh muscle strain

Excludes

  • Spontaneous rupture of tendon (M66.85-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing tear in the right posterior thigh muscle
  • Physical exam indicating acute pain and limited range of motion

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misidentifying laterality
  • Incorrect encounter type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the exact muscle involved and the encounter type.

Ancillary Codes

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

Activity, sports

Y93.44
Use to specify the activity during which the injury occurred.

Differential Codes

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

Spontaneous rupture of other tendons, right thigh

M66.851
Use when there is no trauma involved and the rupture is spontaneous.

Spontaneous rupture of other tendons, left thigh

M66.852
Use when there is no trauma involved and the rupture is spontaneous.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hamstring Tear to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S76.311A.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture of the injury., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include external cause codes when applicable., Review clinical documentation for activity details.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify the side of the injury from the clinical documentation before coding.

Impact

Using initial encounter codes for follow-up visits.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify encounter type from clinical notes before coding.

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

Documentation Templates for Hamstring Tear

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

Initial Evaluation of Hamstring Tear

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

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

Example Documentation

35-year-old male presents with acute right posterior thigh pain after sprinting. MRI confirms a grade 2 tear of the biceps femoris. Plan includes rest, ice, and physical therapy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has thigh pain.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with acute right posterior thigh pain after sprinting. MRI confirms a grade 2 tear of the biceps femoris.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the injury and diagnostic confirmation, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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

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