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ICD-10 Coding for Sacral Ala Fracture(S32.10XA)

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

Also known as:

Bilateral Sacral Ala FractureSacral Aminolevulinic Acid Fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Sacral Ala Fracture

S32.1Primary Range

Fracture of sacrum

This range includes fractures of the sacrum, specifically sacral ala fractures which are classified under Zone 1 in the Denis classification.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for sacral ala fracture

Essential facts and insights about Sacral Ala Fracture

The ICD-10 code for sacral ala fracture is S32.10XA, with detailed documentation required for specificity.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for sacral aminolevulinic acid fracture

Unspecified fracture of sacrum, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Fracture confirmed in sacral ala with imaging

documentation Criteria

  • Lack of specific details for a more precise code

Applicable To

  • Sacral fracture not otherwise specified

Excludes

  • Fracture of coccyx (S32.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirming fracture location in sacral ala
  • Documentation specifying fracture type (displaced/nondisplaced)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using an unspecified code when more specific documentation is available.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the fracture's location, type, and any underlying conditions.

Ancillary Codes

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

Age-related osteoporosis with current pathological fracture, sacrum and coccyx, initial encounter

M80.08XA
Use when the fracture is due to osteoporosis.

Differential Codes

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

Nondisplaced fracture of anterior wall of left acetabulum, initial encounter

S32.415A
Acetabulum fractures are part of the pelvic ring, not the sacrum.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Affects treatment planning and follow-up care., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure encounter type is documented in the patient's record., Use templates that prompt for encounter type.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Could result in non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Reduces the accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies fracture location and type to use the most specific code.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when specific details are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of fracture specifics and use the most precise codes available.

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

Documentation Templates for Sacral Ala Fracture

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

Initial Encounter for Sacral Ala Fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Imaging findings
  • Neurological assessment
  • Fracture type and location

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a nondisplaced fracture of the right sacral ala, confirmed by CT, following a fall. No neurological deficits noted.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Sacral fracture noted.
Good Documentation Example
Nondisplaced fracture of right sacral ala (Denis Zone 1) confirmed by CT, no neural involvement.
Explanation
The good example specifies the fracture's location, type, and imaging confirmation, improving coding accuracy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Sacral Ala Fracture? Ask your questions below.

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