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ICD-10 Coding for Sternal Fracture(S22.2, Y65.81)

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

Also known as:

Fracture of SternumSternum Fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Sternal Fracture

S22.2Primary Range

Fracture of sternum

Primary code range for traumatic sternal fractures.

Surgical complication from CPR

Used for sternal fractures resulting from CPR.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S22.2Fracture of sternumUse for traumatic sternal fractures with confirmed mechanism.
  • Documented traumatic mechanism
  • Imaging confirming fracture
Y65.81Surgical complication from CPRUse for fractures directly resulting from CPR.
  • Documented CPR event
  • Fracture confirmed post-CPR

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 sternal fracture

Essential facts and insights about Sternal Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a traumatic sternal fracture is S22.2, while Y65.81 is used for CPR-related fractures.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for sternal fracture

Fracture of sternum
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed traumatic mechanism

coding Criteria

  • Use with appropriate external cause code

Applicable To

  • Traumatic fracture of sternum

Excludes

  • Pathological fracture of sternum

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented traumatic mechanism
  • Imaging confirming fracture

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use for CPR-related fractures

Coding Notes

  • Ensure mechanism of injury is documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Traumatic pneumothorax

S27.0
Use when pneumothorax is present with sternal fracture.

Differential Codes

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

Surgical complication from CPR

Y65.81
Use when fracture is caused by CPR.

Fracture of sternum

S22.2
Use for traumatic fractures not related to CPR.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Sternal Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S22.2.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Financial: Potential reimbursement issues

Mitigation Strategy

Always document mechanism in detail, Use templates to ensure completeness

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Potential audit trigger, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Use Y65.81 for fractures caused by CPR.

Impact

Failure to sequence codes correctly can lead to audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Use coding guidelines to ensure proper sequencing.

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

Documentation Templates for Sternal Fracture

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

Emergency Department Evaluation

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Fracture displacement
  • Associated injuries
  • Initial treatment

Example Documentation

Patient presents with chest pain after MVC. Imaging shows displaced sternal fracture. Initial treatment includes pain management and surgical consult.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Sternal fracture noted.
Good Documentation Example
Displaced sternal fracture at manubrium due to MVC, initial encounter.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the fracture and mechanism.

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

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