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M79.81
ICD-10-CM
Hematoma

Understand hematoma diagnosis, types (subdural, epidural, intramuscular), symptoms, and treatment. Find information on ICD-10 codes for hematoma, clinical documentation requirements, healthcare provider resources, and best practices for accurate medical coding. Learn about differential diagnosis considerations and explore relevant medical terminology related to hematoma.

Also known as

Bruise
Blood Clot
Contusion

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : A localized collection of blood outside blood vessels, due to vessel wall damage.
  • Clinical Signs : Swelling, pain, bruising, discoloration, and tenderness in the affected area.
  • Common Settings : Injury, surgery, anticoagulant therapy, or bleeding disorders.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC M79.81 Coding
S00-T88

Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes

Codes for injuries, including hematomas, from various external causes.

M79.82

Other specified soft tissue disorders

Includes non-traumatic hematoma, like intramuscular hematoma.

I82.83

Other venous embolism and thrombosis

Can be used for hematomas related to venous complications like superficial thrombophlebitis.

H59

Other disorders of eye and adnexa

Includes periorbital hematoma and other eye-related hematomas.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the hematoma traumatic?

  • Yes

    Site of hematoma specified?

  • No

    Is it a subdural hematoma?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Hematoma
Contusion
Hemorrhage

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Hematoma documentation: size, location, and type
  • Document date of onset and mechanism of injury
  • Hematoma symptoms: pain, swelling, discoloration
  • Associated injuries or complications if present
  • ICD-10 code for hematoma with laterality

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Traumatic vs. Non-Traumatic

    Miscoding traumatic hematoma (ICD-10 S00-T88) as non-traumatic (e.g., spontaneous) can impact DRG and reimbursement.

  • Specificity of Location

    Lack of documentation specifying the anatomical site (e.g., subdural, epidural) leads to coding errors and claim denials.

  • Anemia Coding

    Associated anemia due to blood loss requires accurate coding (ICD-10 D62) in addition to the hematoma diagnosis.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document hematoma size, location, and associated symptoms for accurate ICD-10 coding.
  • Use precise anatomical descriptors for hematoma documentation to improve CDI.
  • Ensure clear linkage between trauma and hematoma in clinical notes for compliance.
  • Query physician for clarification if hematoma etiology is unclear for optimal coding.
  • Regularly audit hematoma documentation to ensure compliance and accurate reimbursement.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify trauma or injury history (ICD-10 S00-T88)
  • Confirm localized swelling, pain, discoloration
  • Check coagulation studies (PT, INR, PTT)
  • Document hematoma size, location, and type
  • Assess for neurovascular compromise, compartment syndrome

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Hematoma diagnosis coding accuracy impacts reimbursement for procedures like drainage or surgical evacuation.
  • Accurate Hematoma documentation with ICD-10 codes improves hospital quality reporting on complications and patient safety.
  • Precise Hematoma sub-type coding (e.g., subdural, epidural) affects severity level for DRG assignment and hospital payment.
  • Timely Hematoma diagnosis coding minimizes claim denials and accelerates appropriate reimbursement for associated care.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Document hematoma size/location
  • Specify traumatic vs. spontaneous
  • Code underlying cause if known
  • Consider laterality for ICD-10

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a hematoma, characterized by a localized collection of blood outside the blood vessels.  Onset of symptoms occurred [timeframe] following [mechanism of injury, e.g., trauma, surgery, spontaneous].  Location of the hematoma is documented as [anatomical location, e.g., subdural, intramuscular, subcutaneous].  Size of the hematoma is approximately [measurement] in diameter.  Associated symptoms include [list symptoms, e.g., pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, limited range of motion].  Skin overlying the hematoma appears [description, e.g., ecchymotic, erythematous, intact].  Palpation reveals [description, e.g., fluctuance, induration, tenderness].  Differential diagnosis includes [list potential alternative diagnoses, e.g., abscess, tumor, cyst].  Diagnosis of hematoma is supported by [diagnostic methods, e.g., physical examination, imaging studies].  Treatment plan includes [treatment options, e.g., observation, ice, compression, elevation, pain management, surgical intervention].  Patient education provided on [topics, e.g., signs of infection, pain management strategies, follow-up care].  Follow-up appointment scheduled for [date] to monitor hematoma resolution and assess for any complications, such as infection or nerve compression.  ICD-10 code [relevant ICD-10 code] is assigned.  CPT codes for procedures performed are documented.
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