Find information on Humerus Fracture diagnosis, including clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes (S42), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare best practices for proper diagnosis and treatment. Learn about different types of humerus fractures, such as proximal, distal, and shaft fractures, and explore relevant medical terminology for accurate coding and documentation in healthcare settings. This resource provides valuable insights for physicians, coders, and other healthcare professionals dealing with humerus fracture cases.
Also known as
Fracture of upper end of humerus
Fractures involving the proximal humerus, including anatomical neck and surgical neck.
Surgical neck of humerus fracture
Fracture specifically at the surgical neck of the humerus.
Greater tuberosity fracture
Fracture involving the greater tuberosity of the humerus.
Shaft/lower end humerus fx
Fractures of the humeral shaft or distal end.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the fracture traumatic?
Yes
Open or closed fracture?
No
Pathological fracture?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Humerus Fracture |
Proximal Humerus Fracture |
Humeral Shaft Fracture |
Coding humerus fractures without laterality or specific location (e.g., proximal, shaft, distal) leads to inaccurate claims and potential denials. CDI crucial.
Miscoding open fractures as closed or vice versa significantly impacts reimbursement. Proper documentation and coding audits are essential for compliance.
Failing to code associated injuries like nerve damage or vascular compromise with humerus fractures leads to underreporting severity and lost revenue.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with humerus fracture. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected arm. Onset of symptoms followed [Mechanism of injury - e.g., fall, direct blow, sporting injury]. Physical examination reveals point tenderness, ecchymosis, and crepitus over the [Location of fracture - e.g., proximal, midshaft, distal] humerus. Neurovascular status of the hand and distal extremity was assessed and found to be [Intact or describe deficit]. Radiographic imaging of the humerus confirmed a [Type of fracture - e.g., transverse, oblique, spiral, comminuted, impacted] fracture of the [Specific bone location - e.g., surgical neck, humeral shaft, distal condyle] with [Degree of displacement - e.g., nondisplaced, minimally displaced, significantly displaced]. Differential diagnosis considered included contusion, shoulder dislocation, and rotator cuff tear. Diagnosis of humerus fracture was established based on clinical findings and radiographic evidence. Treatment plan includes [Conservative or surgical - e.g., closed reduction, open reduction internal fixation, external fixation] and pain management with [Analgesic - e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen, opioid medications if necessary]. Patient education provided on fracture care, immobilization, and follow-up appointments. Referral to orthopedics for further evaluation and management. ICD-10 code S42 [Add specific code based on location and type of fracture] is assigned. Return to clinic scheduled in [Timeframe] for follow-up and reassessment. Prognosis for healing is [Good, fair, guarded] depending on fracture severity and patient compliance with treatment.