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ICD-10 Coding for Left Femoral Fracture(S72.002D, S72.012K)

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

Also known as:

Left Hip FractureLeft Femur Fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Femoral Fracture

S72.0-S72.9Primary Range

Fractures of femur

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

Pathological fractures

This range is relevant for fractures due to underlying pathological conditions like osteoporosis or neoplasms.

Periprosthetic fractures

This range is used for fractures occurring around prosthetic joints.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S72.002DUnspecified femoral neck fracture, left, subsequent encounter, routine healingUse for follow-up visits when the fracture is healing routinely.
  • X-ray confirming fracture location and healing status
  • Clinical notes indicating routine healing
S72.012KUnspecified intracapsular fracture left femur, subsequent encounter, open type II nonunionUse for nonunion cases of open fractures during follow-up.
  • Imaging showing nonunion
  • Clinical documentation of open 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 left femoral fracture

Essential facts and insights about Left Femoral Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a left femoral fracture varies based on the type and encounter, such as S72.002D for subsequent encounters with routine healing.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left femoral fracture

Unspecified femoral neck fracture, left, subsequent encounter, routine healing
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Routine healing confirmed by imaging

coding Criteria

  • Subsequent encounter for routine healing

Applicable To

  • Routine healing of left femoral neck fracture

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray confirming fracture location and healing status
  • Clinical notes indicating routine healing

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use for initial encounters

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the encounter type and healing status.

Ancillary Codes

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

Periprosthetic fracture around left hip prosthesis

M97.01XA
Use when fracture occurs near a prosthetic implant.

Differential Codes

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

Pathological fracture, left femur, subsequent encounter

M84.552D
Use when fracture is due to underlying pathology like osteoporosis.

Displaced intertrochanteric fracture, left femur, subsequent encounter, routine healing

S72.142D
Use for displaced fractures healing routinely.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Femoral Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S72.002D.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document 'left' or 'right' for fractures., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure the correct 7th character is used for subsequent encounters.

Impact

Using initial encounter codes for follow-up visits.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on 7th character usage.

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 Left Femoral Fracture, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Femoral Fracture

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

Follow-up visit for left femoral fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Fracture type and location
  • Healing status
  • Encounter type

Example Documentation

Patient returns for follow-up of left femoral neck fracture. X-ray shows routine healing. No pain on weight-bearing.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left femur fracture follow-up.
Good Documentation Example
Follow-up for left femoral neck fracture, routine healing confirmed by X-ray.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the fracture type and healing status.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Left Femoral Fracture? Ask your questions below.

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