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:
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.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| S72.002D | Unspecified femoral neck fracture, left, subsequent encounter, routine healing | Use for follow-up visits when the fracture is healing routinely. |
|
| S72.012K | Unspecified intracapsular fracture left femur, subsequent encounter, open type II nonunion | Use for nonunion cases of open fractures during follow-up. |
|
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
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left femoral fracture
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
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.
S72.012K - Unspecified intracapsular fracture left femur, subsequent encounter, open type II nonunion
Use for nonunion cases of open fractures during follow-up.
Applicable To
- Nonunion of left femoral intracapsular fracture
Excludes
- Closed fractures (S72.0-S72.9)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging showing nonunion
- Clinical documentation of open fracture
Coding Notes
Document the type of nonunion and open fracture classification.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Periprosthetic fracture around left hip prosthesis
M97.01XADifferential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
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: OrthopedicsRequired Elements
- Fracture type and location
- Healing status
- Encounter type
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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