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S42.302A
ICD-10-CM
Left Humerus Fracture

Find information on Left Humerus Fracture diagnosis, including ICD-10 codes, clinical documentation requirements, and healthcare resources. Learn about proper medical coding for Left Humerus fractures, treatment options, and recovery. Explore relevant medical terminology, anatomy of the humerus, fracture classifications, and diagnostic imaging for accurate clinical documentation. This resource supports healthcare professionals in accurately documenting and coding Left Humerus Fractures for optimal patient care and reimbursement.

Also known as

Fracture of the left upper arm
Left upper humeral fracture
left arm fracture
+1 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Break in the upper arm bone.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, limited arm movement.
  • Common Settings : Falls, sports injuries, direct trauma.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S42.302A Coding
S42.2-

Fracture of upper end of left humerus

This code range covers fractures of the proximal humerus (upper end) of the left arm.

S42.3-

Fracture of shaft of left humerus

This code range covers fractures of the diaphysis (shaft) of the left humerus.

S42.4-

Fracture of lower end of left humerus

This code range includes fractures of the distal humerus (lower end) of the left arm.

S42.7-

Multiple fractures of left humerus

This covers cases where the left humerus has more than one fracture point.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the fracture traumatic?

  • Yes

    Open or closed fracture?

  • No

    Pathological fracture?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left Humerus Fracture
Left Proximal Humerus Fx
Left Humeral Shaft Fracture

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Humerus fracture laterality (left)
  • Fracture location (e.g., proximal, shaft, distal)
  • Open vs. closed fracture documentation
  • Displaced vs. non-displaced fracture
  • Associated injuries (neurovascular, soft tissue)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality unspecified

    Coding left humerus fracture without specifying laterality (left) can lead to claim rejection or downcoding. Use appropriate ICD-10 codes with laterality.

  • Fracture type unclear

    Unspecified fracture type (e.g., displaced, open) impacts reimbursement. CDI should query physician for specificity to ensure accurate coding (e.g., spiral, comminuted).

  • Associated injuries missed

    Failure to code associated injuries (e.g., nerve damage, vascular injury) with left humerus fracture leads to underreporting severity and lost revenue. Thorough documentation is crucial.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding: S42.2-S42.9, laterality
  • Specific fracture type in documentation: spiral, oblique, etc.
  • Document mechanism of injury for proper coding and compliance
  • X-ray confirmation is crucial; detail location and displacement
  • Query physician for clarification if documentation is unclear

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify left humerus fracture via imaging (ICD-10 S42.2)
  • Document fracture type, location, displacement (CPT 23615-23630)
  • Assess neurovascular status of left arm
  • Evaluate for associated injuries (shoulder, elbow)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Left Humerus Fracture Reimbursement: ICD-10 S72, CPT 23615, optimize coding for maximum reimbursement.
  • Coding accuracy impacts Left Humerus Fracture claims processing, preventing denials and maximizing revenue.
  • Hospital reporting on Left Humerus Fracture treatment, complications, and outcomes affects quality metrics.
  • Accurate coding and documentation improve Left Humerus Fracture patient care and hospital quality scores.

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 specific humerus fracture site
  • ICD-10 S42.2-S42.9
  • Document fracture type/displacement
  • Laterality: Left humerus crucial
  • X-ray confirmation vital

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with left humerus fracture.  Chief complaint includes left arm pain, swelling, and limited range of motion following a fall.  Mechanism of injury was a fall from standing height onto an outstretched left hand.  On physical examination, there is tenderness to palpation along the left humeral shaft with notable crepitus and ecchymosis.  Neurovascular examination reveals intact radial, ulnar, and median nerve function with palpable distal pulses.  Radiographic imaging of the left humerus confirms a displaced midshaft fracture.  Diagnosis of closed, displaced, left humerus fracture is made.  Treatment plan includes closed reduction and immobilization with a hanging arm cast, pending orthopedic consultation for definitive management.  Differential diagnosis included shoulder dislocation, radial head fracture, and ulnar fracture.  ICD-10 code S42.202A, unspecified fracture of shaft of left humerus, initial encounter for closed fracture, is assigned.  Patient education provided on pain management, cast care, and follow-up instructions.  Return to clinic scheduled in one week for repeat radiographs and orthopedic evaluation.  Prognosis is good with appropriate treatment and adherence to the prescribed plan of care.  Patient advised to follow up with orthopedic specialist as directed.