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ICD-10 Coding for Right Acetabular Fracture(S32.401A, S32.421A)

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

Also known as:

Right Hip Socket FractureFracture of Right Acetabulum

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Acetabular Fracture

S32.4Primary Range

Fracture of acetabulum

This range includes all codes related to fractures of the acetabulum, specifying laterality and encounter type.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S32.401AUnspecified fracture of right acetabulum, initial encounter for closed fractureUse when the fracture specifics are not detailed beyond laterality and encounter type.
  • Imaging confirming acetabular fracture
  • Documentation of laterality and encounter type
S32.421ADisplaced fracture of posterior wall of right acetabulum, initial encounter for closed fractureUse when imaging confirms a displaced fracture of the posterior wall of the right acetabulum.
  • CT scan confirming displaced posterior wall fracture
  • Documentation of displacement and encounter type

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 right acetabular fracture

Essential facts and insights about Right Acetabular Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a right acetabular fracture, unspecified, is S32.401A for the initial encounter for a closed fracture.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right acetabular fracture

Unspecified fracture of right acetabulum, initial encounter for closed fracture
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must include laterality and encounter type.

Applicable To

  • Unspecified right acetabular fracture

Excludes

  • Fracture of femoral neck (S72.0-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirming acetabular fracture
  • Documentation of laterality and encounter type

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documentation leading to unspecified coding

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and encounter type to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Unspecified fall, initial encounter

W19.XXXA
Use to specify the cause of injury when applicable.

Place of occurrence, home

Y92.0
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 neck of femur, initial encounter

S32.0XXA
Differentiate based on imaging showing fracture location at the acetabulum versus femoral neck.

Displaced fracture of anterior column of right acetabulum, initial encounter for closed fracture

S32.431A
Differentiate based on fracture location in the anterior column versus posterior wall.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Acetabular Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S32.401A.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment planning., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit discrepancies., Financial: Can result in reduced reimbursement due to unspecified coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the side of the body affected by the fracture.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: May result in compliance issues during audits., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify imaging confirms acetabular involvement, not femoral neck.

Impact

Using unspecified codes increases audit risk and may lead to reimbursement issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation to support specific code selection.

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

Documentation Templates for Right Acetabular Fracture

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

Initial encounter for right acetabular fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Imaging findings
  • Neurovascular status
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a displaced posterior wall fracture of the right acetabulum following a high-energy trauma. CT confirms 6mm displacement. Plan for ORIF.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right hip fracture
Good Documentation Example
Displaced transverse fracture of right acetabulum with 8mm displacement - initial closed encounter
Explanation
The good example provides specific fracture details, laterality, and encounter type, allowing for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Right Acetabular Fracture? Ask your questions below.

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