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ICD-10 Coding for Rib Contusion(S20.211A)

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

Also known as:

Chest Wall ContusionBruised Ribbruised ribsthoracic contusion

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Rib Contusion

S20.2-Primary Range

Contusion of thorax

This range covers all contusions of the thoracic wall, specifying location and laterality.

External cause codes for activity/location

These codes provide context for the cause of the injury, such as location or activity during the injury.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for rib contusion

Essential facts and insights about Rib Contusion

The ICD-10 code for rib contusion is S20.2-, which specifies the location and laterality of the contusion on the thoracic wall.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for rib contusion

Contusion of right front wall of thorax, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of ecchymosis and tenderness without fracture on imaging

Applicable To

  • Bruising of right front thorax

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Localized tenderness and ecchymosis on physical exam
  • Imaging confirms no rib fracture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as a fracture if imaging is not reviewed

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the location and laterality of the contusion.

Ancillary Codes

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

Gymnasium as the place of occurrence of the external cause

Y92.146
Use to specify the location where the injury occurred.

Differential Codes

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

Fracture of rib

S22.3-
Use if imaging confirms a fracture.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Rib Contusion to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S20.211A.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incomplete patient records., Regulatory: May result in coding audits., Financial: Can cause claim denials or delays.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the side of the body affected., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to improper DRG assignment and reimbursement issues., Compliance: Misclassification can lead to compliance audits., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of patient records and data analytics.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify imaging results to confirm absence of fracture before coding as contusion.

Impact

Risk of coding contusions as fractures without imaging confirmation.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory imaging review before finalizing codes.

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 Rib Contusion, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Rib Contusion

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

Patient with chest wall contusion after a fall

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Location and size of contusion
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 5cm ecchymotic area over the right anterior thorax after a fall. X-ray shows no fracture. Diagnosis: S20.211A.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Chest pain after fall.
Good Documentation Example
5cm bruise on right anterior thorax from fall, no fracture on X-ray.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, size, and imaging confirmation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Rib Contusion? Ask your questions below.

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