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S52.92XA
ICD-10-CM
Left Elbow Fracture

Find comprehensive information on Left Elbow Fracture diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10, CPT), healthcare guidelines, and treatment protocols. Learn about common left elbow fracture types, such as distal humerus fractures, radial head fractures, and olecranon fractures. Explore resources for accurate fracture documentation, coding best practices, and relevant medical terminology for optimal patient care and reimbursement. This resource covers left elbow fracture diagnosis, signs, symptoms, and aftercare.

Also known as

Fracture of Left Elbow
Left Olecranon Fracture
Left Radial Head Fracture

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Break in one or more bones of the elbow joint.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, swelling, bruising, limited movement, deformity, tenderness to touch.
  • Common Settings : Falls, sports injuries, direct blows to the elbow.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S52.92XA Coding
S52.0-S52.9

Fracture of left forearm

Covers fractures of the left elbow, ulna, and radius.

S42.0-S42.9

Fracture of left shoulder and upper arm

Includes fractures of the left humerus, which can indirectly affect the elbow.

T84.0-T84.1

Complications of surgical procedures on elbow

Relates to potential complications following elbow fracture surgery.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the fracture open or closed?

  • Open

    Type of open fracture?

  • Closed

    Specific site of fracture?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left Elbow Fracture
Left Elbow Dislocation
Left Elbow Sprain

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Left elbow fracture: laterality, location, type
  • ICD-10 code for left elbow fracture (e.g., S52)
  • Mechanism of injury documented
  • Associated soft tissue injuries
  • Radiographic findings: confirm fracture

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Fracture

    Coding with unspecified fracture codes (e.g., S52.9) when more specific documentation is available, impacting DRG and reimbursement.

  • Laterality Issues

    Incorrect coding of laterality (left vs. right), leading to inaccurate data reporting and potential claim denials.

  • Associated Injuries

    Missing documentation and coding of associated injuries (e.g., nerve damage, dislocations) affecting severity and reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document fracture type, location, laterality using ICD-10/CPT codes for accurate billing.
  • Capture mechanism of injury details for complete clinical picture & risk adjustment.
  • Query physician for unspecified fracture diagnoses to improve coding specificity.
  • Ensure X-ray/imaging reports support fracture diagnosis for compliance and accurate reimbursement.
  • Educate physicians on proper fracture documentation to minimize claim denials.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Hx: Trauma, FOOSH, pain, deformity, swelling, limited ROM
  • Px: Tenderness, edema, ecchymosis, crepitus, instability
  • Img: Xray left elbow AP, lateral, oblique views
  • Dx: ICD-10 S52, confirm fracture type/location
  • Pt safety: Neurovascular assessment documented

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Left Elbow Fracture Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts payer contract negotiation and claim denial rates. Proper ICD-10 (S42, S42.001A - S42.929A) and CPT (24500-24579) coding crucial for maximizing reimbursement.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Accurate fracture documentation and coding directly affect publicly reported quality measures (e.g., time to treatment, complication rates). Impacts hospital value-based purchasing.
  • Coding Compliance: Correct coding of laterality (left elbow), displaced/nondisplaced status, open/closed fracture essential for accurate MS-DRG assignment and preventing audits.
  • Hospital Reporting: Accurate left elbow fracture diagnosis data critical for internal quality improvement initiatives, trauma registry data, and research impacting future patient 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
  • ICD-10 S52, specify laterality
  • Document fracture type
  • X-ray confirms, code S52
  • Check 7th character for encounter
  • Include displacement if present

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with left elbow pain following a fall onto an outstretched hand.  Mechanism of injury is consistent with a possible left elbow fracture.  Patient reports immediate pain and limited range of motion.  Physical examination reveals swelling, tenderness to palpation, and ecchymosis around the left elbow joint.  Neurovascular examination of the left hand reveals intact sensation and capillary refill.  Radiographic imaging of the left elbow including AP, lateral, and oblique views was ordered to evaluate for fracture.  Radiology report confirms a left elbow fracture involving the distal humerus.  Diagnosis of left elbow fracture ICD-10 code S42 is confirmed.  Differential diagnoses considered included elbow sprain, dislocation, and radial head fracture.  Treatment plan includes pain management with analgesics, immobilization with a splint or sling, and orthopedic consultation for definitive management.  Patient education provided on fracture care, activity modification, and follow-up appointments.  Prognosis is dependent on fracture type and severity.  Follow-up scheduled with orthopedics in one week for evaluation and potential surgical intervention if indicated.  Potential complications discussed with the patient including infection, stiffness, nonunion, malunion, and complex regional pain syndrome.  Patient understands the risks and benefits of treatment and agrees with the plan of care.  Medical coding includes CPT codes for the evaluation and management services provided as well as the radiology procedures.  Billing information was reviewed with the patient.
Left Elbow Fracture - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation