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ICD-10 Coding for Shoulder Conditions(M19.012, S43.014A)

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

Also known as:

Shoulder PainShoulder DislocationRotator Cuff Tear

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Shoulder Conditions

M19.01-M19.03Primary Range

Primary osteoarthritis of shoulder

Covers degenerative joint disease affecting the shoulder.

Rotator cuff syndrome and shoulder impingement

Includes conditions affecting the rotator cuff and shoulder impingement.

Dislocation of shoulder

Covers traumatic dislocations of the shoulder joint.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
M19.012Primary osteoarthritis, left shoulderUse when imaging confirms osteoarthritis in the left shoulder.
  • Radiographic evidence of joint space narrowing
  • Presence of osteophytes
S43.014AAnterior dislocation of right shoulder, initial encounterUse for initial treatment of a traumatic anterior dislocation of the right shoulder.
  • Documented traumatic event leading to dislocation

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 shoulder pain

Essential facts and insights about Shoulder Conditions

The ICD-10 code for left shoulder pain is M25.512, used when no specific diagnosis is confirmed.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for physician initials shoulder

Primary osteoarthritis, left shoulder
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed by imaging studies

Applicable To

  • Degenerative joint disease of left shoulder

Excludes

  • Post-traumatic osteoarthritis

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Radiographic evidence of joint space narrowing
  • Presence of osteophytes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if not confirmed by imaging

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'primary' osteoarthritis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for other preprocedural examination

Z01.818
Use for pre-surgical evaluations.

Hill-Sachs fracture

S42.255A
Use if a Hill-Sachs lesion is present.

Differential Codes

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

Pain in left shoulder

M25.512
Use M25.512 only if no definitive diagnosis like osteoarthritis is confirmed.

Posterior dislocation of right shoulder, initial encounter

S43.015A
Differentiate based on the direction of dislocation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Shoulder Conditions to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code M19.012.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment records, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Include encounter type in documentation, Use 7th character for ICD-10 codes

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied or delayed., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include laterality using RT/LT modifiers or specific ICD-10 characters.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for laterality.

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

Documentation Templates for Shoulder Conditions

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

Chronic shoulder pain evaluation

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Imaging results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with left shoulder pain for 3 months, aggravated by overhead activities. MRI shows partial-thickness tear of the supraspinatus.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Shoulder pain noted.
Good Documentation Example
Left shoulder pain for 3 months, worsens with overhead activity. MRI confirms partial-thickness tear of supraspinatus.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the location, duration, and imaging findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Shoulder Conditions? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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