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S32.040A
ICD-10-CM
L4 Compression Fracture

Find information on L4 compression fracture diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes, treatment options, and recovery. Learn about symptoms, causes, and diagnostic procedures for lumbar compression fractures at L4. Explore resources for healthcare professionals on proper documentation and coding guidelines for L4 vertebral compression fractures. This resource provides essential information for accurate clinical reporting and medical billing related to L4 compression fractures.

Also known as

Lumbar 4 Compression Fracture
L4 Vertebral Compression Fracture

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Break in the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4) of the lower back.
  • Clinical Signs : Back pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, radiating pain to legs.
  • Common Settings : Trauma, osteoporosis, falls, heavy lifting, sports injuries.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S32.040A Coding
S22.0

Fracture of lumbar vertebra

Fracture of the fourth lumbar vertebra.

S22.1

Fracture of lumbar vertebra

Fracture of the fifth lumbar vertebra.

M48.5

Collapsed vertebra

Compression fracture causing collapse of a vertebra in the lumbar region.

S22

Fracture of lumbar spine and pelvis

Fractures involving the lumbar vertebrae, including compression fractures.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Traumatic fracture?

  • Yes

    Current injury?

  • No

    Pathological fracture?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
L4 Compression Fracture
L4 Vertebral Fracture
Lumbago with Sciatica

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • L4 compression fracture diagnosis: ICD-10 code, laterality
  • Document mechanism of injury: traumatic vs. atraumatic
  • Neurological exam findings: sensory/motor deficits
  • Imaging confirmation: X-ray, CT, or MRI findings
  • Pain assessment scale: initial and follow-up pain levels

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 S32.0xxA, accurate fracture documentation for compliance.
  • Timely MRI/CT imaging, CDI for L4 compression specifics.
  • Pain management, PT consult, coding for treatment modalities.
  • Bracing/orthotics use, detailed charting for medical necessity.
  • Surgical intervention if needed, code fusion/decompression accurately.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Hx: Trauma, fall, osteoporosis, back pain
  • PE: Point tenderness, decreased ROM, neuro exam
  • Imaging: X-ray, CT, or MRI of lumbar spine
  • Dx: L4 compression fracture ICD-10 M48.46
  • Assess: Pain management, bracing, surgery consult

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • L4 Compression Fracture Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts payer contract adherence, affecting claim denials and revenue cycle management.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Accurate ICD-10 coding (e.g., S22.0XXA, M48.5XXA) for L4 fracture affects severity scores and hospital quality reporting.
  • Hospital Reporting: Proper documentation and coding of L4 fractures influence trauma registry data, impacting performance benchmarks.
  • Reimbursement Challenges: Inaccurate coding or incomplete documentation can lead to lower reimbursement for L4 fracture treatment.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code L1 Compression Fx if present
  • Document mechanism of injury
  • Specify acute or chronic fracture
  • Query physician for neurological signs
  • Consider addl codes for complications

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with L4 compression fracture.  Onset of low back pain is reported as [onset date or duration], potentially following [mechanism of injury if applicable, e.g., fall, lifting heavy object, or atraumatic if applicable].  Pain is localized to the lower back, potentially radiating to [location of radiating pain, e.g., buttock, thigh, or leg] and described as [quality of pain, e.g., sharp, aching, burning].  The patient exhibits [level of pain using pain scale, e.g., 710 pain].  Physical examination reveals [positive or negative findings, e.g., point tenderness over the L4 vertebra, paraspinal muscle spasm, limited lumbar range of motion, neurological deficits including sensory changes, muscle weakness, or diminished reflexes if present].  Diagnostic imaging, including [imaging modality, e.g., lumbar spine X-ray, CT scan, or MRI], confirms the diagnosis of L4 compression fracture, demonstrating [specific imaging findings, e.g., loss of vertebral height, wedge deformity, or retropulsion of bone fragments].  Differential diagnoses considered include lumbar strain, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.  The patient's current medications include [list current medications].  Allergies include [list allergies].  Assessment includes L4 compression fracture.  Plan includes pain management with [medication name and dosage], physical therapy for lumbar stabilization exercises, activity modification, and bracing if indicated.  Patient education provided on fall prevention, proper body mechanics, and pain management strategies.  Follow-up scheduled in [duration] to assess response to treatment and adjust the plan as needed.  ICD-10 code [appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., S32.0XXA] is assigned.
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