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ICD-10 Coding for Left Knee ACL Tear(S83.512A, S83.512D)

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

Also known as:

Left Anterior Cruciate Ligament TearLeft ACL Rupture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Knee ACL Tear

S83.5Primary Range

Sprain and strain of joints and ligaments of knee

This range includes codes for sprains and strains of the knee, specifically the ACL.

Chronic instability of knee

This range is used for coding chronic conditions related to old ACL injuries.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S83.512ASprain of anterior cruciate ligament of left knee, initial encounterUse for acute injuries of the left ACL confirmed by imaging or physical examination.
  • MRI confirmation of ACL tear
  • Positive Lachman test
S83.512DSprain of anterior cruciate ligament of left knee, subsequent encounterUse for follow-up visits after initial treatment of an ACL tear.
  • Ongoing treatment for ACL tear

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 knee ACL tear

Essential facts and insights about Left Knee ACL Tear

The ICD-10 code for a left knee ACL tear is S83.512A for the initial encounter.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left knee acl tear

Sprain of anterior cruciate ligament of left knee, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed acute tear via MRI

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify left knee and encounter type

Applicable To

  • Acute tear of left ACL

Excludes

  • Chronic instability of knee (M23.5-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI confirmation of ACL tear
  • Positive Lachman test

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality
  • Misclassification of encounter type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'tear' or 'sprain' and laterality.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in left knee

M25.562
Use if pain persists beyond the acute phase.

Aftercare following joint replacement surgery

Z47.1
Use for post-reconstruction follow-up.

Differential Codes

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

Old disruption of anterior cruciate ligament

M23.512
Use for chronic instability or old tears without active treatment.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Knee ACL Tear to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S83.512A.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment tracking., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document encounter type in patient records.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify left or right knee in documentation and coding.

Impact

Failure to document encounter type accurately.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checklist for encounter documentation.

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

Documentation Templates for Left Knee ACL Tear

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

Acute ACL Tear

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Physical exam findings
  • Imaging results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute left knee pain after soccer injury. Lachman test positive, MRI confirms ACL tear.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left knee pain.
Good Documentation Example
Acute left ACL tear confirmed by MRI, Lachman test Grade III.
Explanation
The good example provides specific injury details and confirmation methods.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Left Knee ACL Tear? Ask your questions below.

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