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S82.402A
ICD-10-CM
Left Fibula Fracture

Find information on left fibula fracture diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes, and healthcare guidelines. Learn about fibula fracture types, symptoms, treatment, and documentation requirements for accurate medical billing and coding. This resource provides essential information for healthcare professionals, coders, and billers dealing with left fibula fractures.

Also known as

Fracture of left fibular shaft
Left lateral malleolus fracture

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Break in the smaller outer bone of the lower leg.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, deformity, difficulty walking.
  • Common Settings : Trauma, sports injuries, falls, overuse.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S82.402A Coding
S72

Fracture of lower leg

Covers fractures of the tibia, fibula, and ankle region.

S72.2-

Fracture of fibula

Specific codes for various fibula fracture locations.

S72.20-

Fracture of fibula, unspecified

Used when the specific location of the fibula fracture is not documented.

S00-S99

Injuries to the extremities

Encompasses a broader range of injuries to limbs, including fractures.

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

    Displaced or not displaced?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left Fibula Fracture
Left Ankle Fracture
Fibular Stress Fracture

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Fibula fracture laterality (left)
  • Fracture location (proximal, shaft, distal)
  • Open vs. closed fracture documentation
  • Displaced vs. non-displaced fracture
  • Associated injuries (ankle, ligaments)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Unspecified

    Coding lacks left/right distinction, impacting reimbursement and data analysis. Use S72.209A for unspecified fibula fracture.

  • Fracture Specificity

    Unspecified fracture type (S72.209A) may lead to downcoding. Document precise location and type (e.g., distal, spiral) for accurate code assignment.

  • Associated Injury Coding

    Failure to code associated injuries (e.g., ankle, ligaments) impacts severity measures and reimbursement. Document and code all injuries.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 S82.40-S82.49: Accurate fibula fx coding for compliance.
  • Document fx type, location, laterality: Improve CDI, avoid denials.
  • X-ray, CT/MRI if needed: Support fx diagnosis, justify treatment.
  • Pain management, immobilization, surgery consult if complex: Best practice.
  • Timely, thorough documentation: Ensure proper reimbursement, avoid audits.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Pain, tenderness lateral lower leg: ICD-10 S82.4, Document mechanism of injury
  • 2. Localized edema/ecchymosis: Assess neurovascular status, Document Ottawa Ankle Rules
  • 3. Radiographic confirmation fibular fracture: CPT 27740, 27840, Document fracture type/location
  • 4. Assess for associated injuries: Distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, Maisonneuve fracture

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Left Fibula Fracture reimbursement hinges on accurate coding (ICD-10 S82) and modifiers for optimal payment.
  • Coding quality impacts left fibula fracture claims denial rates, affecting hospital revenue cycle management.
  • Accurate fracture documentation and coding influence quality metrics like complication rates and length of stay.
  • Proper coding of left fibula fracture type (e.g., stress, open) impacts severity reporting and resource allocation.

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
  • ICD-10 S82.4xxA, specify laterality
  • Document fracture type, location
  • X-ray confirmation crucial
  • Check 7th character for encounter
  • Query physician for clarity

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of left ankle pain and swelling following a twisting injury sustained while playing basketball.  Onset of symptoms was acute, occurring immediately after the injury.  Patient reports hearing a popping sensation at the time of injury and is unable to bear weight on the affected extremity.  Physical examination reveals localized tenderness, edema, and ecchymosis over the lateral aspect of the left ankle and distal fibula.  Pain is exacerbated with palpation and attempted range of motion.  Neurovascular status distal to the injury is intact.  Radiographic imaging of the left ankle and fibula demonstrates a transverse fracture of the distal fibula, specifically a Weber B type fracture.  Differential diagnosis includes ankle sprain, ligamentous injury, and fibular stress fracture.  Assessment: Closed left fibula fracture, distal diaphysis.  Plan:  Immobilization with a short leg cast,  non-weight bearing status for six weeks,  follow-up radiographs in two weeks to assess fracture alignment and healing.  Patient education provided regarding cast care, pain management with ibuprofen, and signs of complications such as compartment syndrome.  Referral to orthopedics scheduled.  ICD-10 code S82.402A assigned for closed fracture of the distal fibula of left lower leg.