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S72.002A
ICD-10-CM
Left Femoral Neck Fracture

Find comprehensive information on Left Femoral Neck Fracture diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10, CPT), treatment options, and recovery. Learn about femoral neck fracture types, displaced fractures, Garden classification, and relevant anatomy. This resource offers guidance for healthcare professionals on accurate diagnosis coding and documentation best practices for left femoral neck fractures. Explore insights into surgical and non-surgical management, post-operative care, and rehabilitation.

Also known as

Left Hip Fracture
Left Neck of Femur Fracture

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Break in the femur (thigh bone) just below the hip joint.
  • Clinical Signs : Hip pain, inability to bear weight, leg shortening, external rotation.
  • Common Settings : Falls, osteoporosis, trauma, elderly population.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S72.002A Coding
S72.1-

Fracture of neck of femur

This code range covers fractures specifically at the neck of the left femur.

S72.-

Fracture of femur

Encompasses all femoral fractures, including those of the left femoral neck.

S00-T98

Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes

Broader category covering injuries like the left femoral neck fracture due to external factors.

S70-S79

Injuries to the hip and thigh

Includes injuries localized to the hip and thigh region, such as left femoral neck fractures.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the fracture traumatic?

  • Yes

    Displaced fracture?

  • No

    Pathological fracture?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left Femoral Neck Fracture
Right Femoral Neck Fracture
Intertrochanteric Fracture

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Left femoral neck fracture: Document fracture type (displaced, nondisplaced, impacted)
  • Specify fracture location (subcapital, transcervical, basicervical)
  • Document mechanism of injury (fall, trauma)
  • Include patient symptoms (pain, limited mobility)
  • Document any associated injuries

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Documentation

    Missing or unclear documentation specifying left vs. right femoral neck fracture impacts accurate ICD-10 coding (e.g., S72.0 vs. S72.1).

  • Fracture Specificity

    Lack of detail about the fracture type (displaced, impacted, etc.) leads to coding errors and affects DRG assignment and reimbursement.

  • Associated Injuries

    Overlooking documentation of other injuries (e.g., head trauma) with the femoral neck fracture can result in undercoding and lost revenue.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding: S72.1- for left femoral neck fracture.
  • Thorough documentation: Detail mechanism of injury for compliance.
  • Timely image review: X-ray, MRI confirmation for CDI accuracy.
  • Prompt orthopedic consult: Fracture type impacts treatment, coding.
  • Pain management documentation: Supports medical necessity, coding.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify mechanism of injury: Fall or trauma?
  • Confirm left hip pain, limited ROM, and tenderness.
  • Order left hip X-ray: AP and lateral views.
  • Document fracture type (Garden classification if applicable).

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Left Femoral Neck Fracture reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM (S72.0-S72.2) and CPT coding for procedures like ORIF or hip replacement. Proper coding maximizes revenue and minimizes claim denials.
  • Quality metrics impacted: Time to surgery, pain management effectiveness, post-operative complications (e.g., infection, DVT), and functional recovery measures.
  • Hospital reporting accuracy for Left Femoral Neck Fracture cases affects publicly reported quality data, hospital rankings, and potential value-based payment adjustments.
  • Optimize coding and documentation for Left Femoral Neck Fracture to enhance reimbursement, improve quality reporting, and demonstrate value-based care delivery.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the key clinical indicators differentiating a left femoral neck stress fracture from a complete left femoral neck fracture in elderly patients, and how does this inform immediate management decisions?

A: Differentiating a stress fracture from a complete fracture in the left femoral neck of elderly patients requires careful assessment. Stress fractures often present with insidious groin or anterior thigh pain exacerbated by weight-bearing, while complete fractures usually present with acute, severe pain, inability to bear weight, and potential limb shortening and external rotation. Radiographs may initially be negative for stress fractures, necessitating further investigation with MRI or bone scan. Complete fractures usually demonstrate clear cortical disruption on x-ray. Immediate management for suspected stress fractures includes protected weight-bearing, while complete fractures typically require surgical intervention such as internal fixation or arthroplasty. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for choosing the correct treatment pathway. Explore how S10.AI can assist in identifying subtle fracture lines and assessing fracture stability for optimal management.

Q: In a patient with a displaced left femoral neck fracture, what are the most important factors to consider when deciding between hemiarthroplasty versus total hip arthroplasty, particularly considering pre-existing osteoarthritis and patient activity level?

A: Choosing between hemiarthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty for a displaced left femoral neck fracture requires careful consideration of patient-specific factors, especially pre-existing osteoarthritis and activity level. Hemiarthroplasty is generally preferred in older, less active patients with advanced osteoarthritis, offering a quicker recovery and lower dislocation risk. For younger, more active patients, or those with minimal pre-existing osteoarthritis in the acetabulum, total hip arthroplasty may provide better long-term function and reduce the risk of future acetabular degeneration and revision surgery. Consider implementing a shared decision-making approach with the patient and their family to discuss the risks and benefits of each procedure based on their individual circumstances and preferences. Learn more about the latest evidence-based guidelines for surgical management of femoral neck fractures.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code femoral neck fx specificity
  • ICD-10 S72.xx, laterality
  • Document fracture displacement
  • Query physician for details
  • Check 7th character for episode

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with left hip pain following a fall from standing height.  On examination, there is tenderness to palpation over the left hip and groin area, with pain exacerbated by internal and external rotation of the left leg.  Patient exhibits limited range of motion in the left hip.  Left lower extremity is shortened and externally rotated.  Neurovascular examination of the left lower extremity reveals intact distal pulses and sensation.  Radiographic imaging of the left hip demonstrates a fracture through the femoral neck.  Diagnosis of left femoral neck fracture is confirmed.  Differential diagnosis includes intertrochanteric fracture, femoral shaft fracture, and hip dislocation.  Treatment plan includes surgical intervention with open reduction internal fixation versus hemiarthroplasty versus total hip arthroplasty, depending on patient factors such as age, bone quality, and pre-injury ambulatory status.  Patient education regarding surgical risks and benefits, postoperative care, and physical therapy will be provided.  Orthopedic consultation obtained.  ICD-10 code S72.021A, left femoral neck fracture, closed, will be used for billing and coding purposes.  Follow-up appointment scheduled for one week postoperatively.