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ICD-10 Coding for Shoulder Labral Tear(S43.431A, S43.432A, S43.439A)

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

Also known as:

Glenoid Labrum TearSLAP LesionBankart Lesionslap tearsuperior labrum anterior posterior tear

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Shoulder Labral Tear

S43.43-Primary Range

Superior glenoid labrum lesion

This range covers all types of shoulder labral tears, 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
S43.431ASuperior glenoid labrum lesion of right shoulder, initial encounterUse for initial treatment of a right shoulder labral tear.
  • MRI showing SLAP lesion
  • Positive O'Brien's test
S43.432ASuperior glenoid labrum lesion of left shoulder, initial encounterUse for initial treatment of a left shoulder labral tear.
  • MRI showing SLAP lesion
  • Positive Speed's test
S43.439ASuperior glenoid labrum lesion, unspecified shoulder, initial encounterUse when laterality is not specified in the documentation.
  • MRI showing SLAP lesion
  • Positive clinical tests

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 shoulder labral tear

Essential facts and insights about Shoulder Labral Tear

The ICD-10 code for a shoulder labral tear, initial encounter, is S43.431A for the right shoulder and S43.432A for the left shoulder.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for shoulder labral tear

Superior glenoid labrum lesion of right shoulder, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • MRI confirmation of SLAP lesion

documentation Criteria

  • Documented laterality and encounter type

Applicable To

  • SLAP lesion
  • Bankart lesion

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing SLAP lesion
  • Positive O'Brien's test

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation
  • Misclassification of encounter type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality and encounter type are clearly documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Rotator cuff tear

M75.1-
Use if rotator cuff tear is present alongside labral tear.

Differential Codes

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

Rotator cuff tear or rupture

M75.1-
Rotator cuff tears involve tendons, not the labrum.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Shoulder Labral Tear to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S43.431A.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the affected side, Use templates that prompt for laterality

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use 29807 for repair and 29822 for debridement only.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied or delayed., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify laterality in documentation before coding.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of SLAP lesion type and repair method.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates and verify documentation completeness.

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 Labral Tear, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Shoulder Labral Tear

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

Arthroscopic SLAP repair

Specialty: Orthopedic Surgery

Required Elements

  • Indication for surgery
  • Type of SLAP lesion
  • Procedure details
  • Post-operative plan

Example Documentation

Patient presented with shoulder pain and instability. MRI confirmed a Type II SLAP lesion at 11–1 o'clock. Arthroscopic repair performed using suture anchors.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Labrum repaired.
Good Documentation Example
Type II SLAP tear with biceps tendon involvement at 11–1 o'clock. Arthroscopic repair using two suture anchors.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type, location, and method of repair, providing complete documentation.

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