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ICD-10 Coding for Left Shoulder SLAP Tear(S43.432A)

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

Also known as:

Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior TearSLAP Lesion

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Shoulder SLAP Tear

S43.4Primary Range

Sprain and strain of shoulder joint

This range includes codes for specific shoulder joint injuries, including SLAP lesions.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left shoulder SLAP tear

Essential facts and insights about Left Shoulder SLAP Tear

The ICD-10 code for a left shoulder SLAP tear is S43.432A, used for initial encounters with confirmed SLAP lesions.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left shoulder slap tear

Superior glenoid labrum lesion of left shoulder, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • MRI shows high signal intensity in superior labrum.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed note on clinical tests and imaging results.

Applicable To

  • Type I-IV SLAP tears

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI confirmation of superior labral tear
  • Positive O'Brien's test

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use without MRI confirmation
  • Misuse with Bankart lesions

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and confirms SLAP tear type.

Ancillary Codes

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

Bicipital tendinitis, left shoulder

M75.21
Use when biceps tendon involvement is documented.

Differential Codes

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

Superior glenoid labrum lesion of right shoulder, initial encounter

S43.431A
Use for right shoulder lesions; differentiate based on laterality.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Shoulder SLAP Tear to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S43.432A.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify left or right shoulder in documentation., Review notes for completeness before submission.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied due to lack of supporting documentation., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure MRI findings support the diagnosis of a SLAP tear.

Impact

Incorrect use of modifiers 59 and 22 with SLAP repair codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coding staff on proper modifier use and documentation requirements.

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

Documentation Templates for Left Shoulder SLAP Tear

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

Initial evaluation of suspected SLAP tear

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Clinical tests

Example Documentation

Patient presents with left shoulder pain exacerbated by overhead activities. O'Brien test positive. MRI confirms Type II SLAP tear at 11–1 o'clock.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has shoulder pain, MRI ordered.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports left shoulder pain with overhead activity. O'Brien test positive. MRI confirms Type II SLAP tear at 11–1 o'clock.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and imaging results, supporting the diagnosis.

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

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