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ICD-10 Coding for Trimalleolar Fracture(S82.85XA)

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

Also known as:

Three-part ankle fractureTrimalleolar ankle fracture

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Trimalleolar Fracture

S82.85-S82.89Primary Range

Fracture of the lower leg, including ankle

This range includes specific codes for trimalleolar fractures, detailing laterality and displacement status.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for trimalleolar fracture

Essential facts and insights about Trimalleolar Fracture

The ICD-10 code for a displaced trimalleolar fracture of the right leg, initial encounter, is S82.85XA.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for trimalleolar fracture

Displaced trimalleolar fracture, right leg, initial encounter (closed)
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of fracture in lateral, medial, and posterior malleoli with displacement

Applicable To

  • Displaced fracture of lateral, medial, and posterior malleoli

Excludes

  • Bimalleolar fracture
  • Pilon fracture

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirmation of all three malleoli fractures
  • Displacement >2mm on X-ray/CT

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with bimalleolar fractures
  • Incorrect laterality documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies all three malleoli and displacement status.

Ancillary Codes

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

Open treatment of trimalleolar fracture without posterior lip fixation

27822
Use when surgical intervention is performed without posterior lip fixation.

Differential Codes

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

Bimalleolar fracture

S82.84X-
Involves only lateral and medial malleoli, not posterior.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Trimalleolar Fracture to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S82.85XA.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims

Mitigation Strategy

Always document left or right in clinical notes, Use templates that prompt for laterality

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to lower reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify imaging to confirm involvement of all three malleoli.

Impact

Risk of audits due to incorrect fracture type coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on fracture coding and documentation.

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

Documentation Templates for Trimalleolar Fracture

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

Initial encounter for displaced trimalleolar fracture

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Mechanism of injury
  • Imaging results
  • Physical examination findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with right ankle pain after fall. X-ray shows displaced trimalleolar fracture. Plan for ORIF.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Ankle fracture after fall.
Good Documentation Example
Displaced trimalleolar fracture of right ankle, confirmed by X-ray. Initial encounter.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of fracture, laterality, and encounter type.

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

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