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ICD-10 Coding for Left Wrist Fracture(S62.015A)

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

Also known as:

Left Scaphoid FractureLeft Distal Radius FractureLeft Ulna Fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Wrist Fracture

S62.0-S62.9Primary Range

Fractures of wrist and hand level

This range includes specific codes for fractures of the scaphoid, distal radius, and ulna in the wrist.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for left wrist fracture

Essential facts and insights about Left Wrist Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a nondisplaced fracture of the distal pole of the left scaphoid is S62.015A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for left wrist fracture

Nondisplaced fracture of distal pole of navicular [scaphoid] bone of left wrist, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of nondisplaced fracture confirmed by imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Specific mention of distal pole and nondisplacement

Applicable To

  • Nondisplaced distal pole scaphoid fracture

Excludes

  • Displaced fractures
  • Fractures of other wrist bones

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • X-ray confirmation of nondisplaced fracture
  • Clinical documentation of pain and tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using for displaced fractures
  • Omitting laterality

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies nondisplaced and distal pole to avoid miscoding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for other orthopedic aftercare

Z47.89
Use for follow-up visits after initial treatment of the fracture.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified fracture of the lower end of left radius, initial encounter

S52.502A
Use when the specific fracture location within the radius is not documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Wrist Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S62.015A.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the side of the body affected.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audits and compliance issues., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies fracture type, location, and displacement.

Impact

High audit risk when using unspecified codes for specific fractures.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific fracture details.

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

Documentation Templates for Left Wrist Fracture

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

Follow-up visit for left wrist fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

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

Example Documentation

Patient presents for follow-up of left wrist fracture. X-ray shows nondisplaced fracture of distal pole of scaphoid. Plan to continue immobilization.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Follow-up for wrist fracture.
Good Documentation Example
Follow-up for nondisplaced fracture of distal pole of left scaphoid. X-ray confirms alignment.
Explanation
The good example specifies the fracture type and location, improving coding accuracy.

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

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