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S72.92XA
ICD-10-CM
Left Hip Fracture

Find comprehensive information on Left Hip Fracture diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10, CPT), healthcare guidelines, and treatment protocols. Learn about left hip fracture types, signs, symptoms, and aftercare. Resources for physicians, coders, and healthcare professionals seeking accurate and up-to-date information on left hip fracture management and documentation.

Also known as

Fracture of left femur
Left femoral fracture
left femoral neck fracture
+2 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Break in the upper part of the thigh bone.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, swelling, bruising, inability to bear weight, shortened leg.
  • Common Settings : Falls, osteoporosis, trauma. Treatment includes surgery, physical therapy, pain medication.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S72.92XA Coding
S72.0-S72.9

Fracture of femur

Fractures involving the thigh bone, including the hip joint.

S70-S79

Injuries to the hip and thigh

Includes various injuries like fractures, dislocations, and sprains.

S00-T98

Injury, poisoning, and certain other

Broad category encompassing external causes of morbidity.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the fracture traumatic?

  • Yes

    Fracture of head/neck of femur?

  • No

    Pathological fracture?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left Hip Fracture
Left Femoral Neck Fracture
Left Intertrochanteric Fracture

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Left hip fracture: ICD-10 code, laterality, anatomical site
  • Fracture type: displaced, non-displaced, open, closed
  • Mechanism of injury: fall, trauma, stress fracture
  • Associated injuries: head, spine, pelvis
  • Pre-existing conditions: osteoporosis, arthritis

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Documentation

    Missing or unclear documentation specifying left hip affects coding accuracy and reimbursement for left hip fracture care.

  • Fracture Specificity

    Lack of detail about the fracture type (e.g., intertrochanteric, femoral neck) can lead to incorrect code assignment and claims issues.

  • Traumatic vs. Pathologic

    Insufficient documentation to distinguish between a traumatic fracture and a pathologic fracture impacts coding and quality metrics.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding: S72.-, specify laterality
  • Document fracture type, displacement, mechanism of injury
  • Query physician for clarity if documentation is unclear
  • Regular CDI reviews for hip fracture documentation completeness
  • Ensure compliance with coding guidelines for accurate reimbursement

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Verify sudden onset hip pain after trauma: ICD-10 S72, CPT 27244
  • 2. Confirm limited ROM, tenderness, deformity: Document physical exam
  • 3. Obtain X-ray imaging: Confirm fracture type, location for patient safety
  • 4. Assess neurovascular status: Document distal pulses, sensation

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Left Hip Fracture Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts DRG assignment and payment. Proper ICD-10 (S72.-) and CPT coding crucial for maximizing reimbursement.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Mortality rates, complication rates (surgical site infection, DVT), and readmission rates are key quality indicators.
  • Hospital Reporting: Accurate coding affects publicly reported quality data and value-based purchasing programs.
  • Coding Tips: Specificity in fracture type (e.g., displaced, impacted) using S72.- codes improves documentation and reimbursement.

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 most effective evidence-based non-surgical management strategies for stable left hip fractures in elderly patients with high surgical risk?

A: Non-surgical management of stable left hip fractures in elderly patients with high surgical risk often involves a combination of pain management, mobilization strategies, and fall prevention measures. Effective pain management protocols can include scheduled analgesics, patient-controlled analgesia, and regional nerve blocks. Early mobilization, even within bed, is crucial to prevent complications like pressure sores, pneumonia, and deep vein thrombosis. Explore how physical and occupational therapy can assist in developing individualized mobility plans focusing on weight-bearing status and assistive devices. Additionally, consider implementing a comprehensive fall risk assessment and subsequent interventions, such as optimizing medication regimens, addressing environmental hazards, and promoting balance training, to mitigate future falls. Learn more about the latest guidelines for geriatric fracture care to inform your practice.

Q: How can I differentiate between a left hip fracture and other conditions presenting with similar symptoms, such as a femoral neck stress fracture or severe hip osteoarthritis, using physical examination and imaging techniques?

A: Differentiating a left hip fracture from other conditions with similar symptoms requires a thorough clinical evaluation encompassing a detailed patient history, physical exam, and appropriate imaging studies. While pain, limited range of motion, and tenderness are common to hip fracture, femoral neck stress fracture, and severe hip osteoarthritis, some key differences exist. Physical examination findings like leg shortening and external rotation are strongly suggestive of a hip fracture. Imaging plays a vital role: plain radiographs are typically sufficient for diagnosing hip fractures, while stress fractures might require MRI or bone scan for detection. In cases of suspected osteoarthritis, weight-bearing X-rays are essential to assess joint space narrowing and osteophyte formation. Consider implementing a diagnostic algorithm incorporating clinical findings and imaging results for accurate diagnosis. Explore how advanced imaging techniques like CT or MRI can be utilized in complex cases or when initial imaging is inconclusive.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code S72.0-S72.9 ICD-10
  • Laterality matters L hip
  • Document fracture type
  • Query physician if unclear
  • Check 7th character for episode

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of left hip pain following a fall from standing height.  On examination, the patient exhibits significant left hip tenderness, swelling, and ecchymosis.  Pain is exacerbated with passive and active range of motion.  The patient displays a shortened and externally rotated left lower extremity.  Neurovascular examination reveals palpable distal pulses and intact sensation.  Radiographic imaging of the left hip confirms a displaced intertrochanteric fracture.  Diagnosis of left hip fracture is made.  Differential diagnosis included hip dislocation, femoral neck stress fracture, and avulsion fracture.  Treatment plan includes surgical intervention with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF).  Patient education provided on postoperative care, pain management, physical therapy, and fall prevention strategies.  ICD-10 code S72.141A, left intertrochanteric femoral fracture, initial encounter for closed fracture, is assigned.  CPT codes for ORIF procedure will be determined at the time of surgery.  Risks and benefits of surgery, including infection, bleeding, nonunion, and DVT, were discussed with the patient, and informed consent was obtained.  Referral to orthopedics for surgical management.  Follow-up scheduled for postoperative evaluation and physical therapy.  Patient advised to maintain non-weight-bearing status on the left lower extremity until further instructed.  Pain medications prescribed and instructions provided.
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