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S83.512A
ICD-10-CM
Left Knee ACL Tear

Find information on Left Knee ACL Tear diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 S83.51XA), MRI findings, and treatment options. Learn about anterior cruciate ligament injury, knee instability symptoms, physical examination tests, and orthopedic surgery considerations for accurate healthcare coding and documentation. Explore resources for proper medical coding and billing related to Left Knee ACL injuries.

Also known as

Left Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
Left ACL Rupture

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in the left knee, causing instability.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, popping sensation, swelling, limited range of motion, instability feeling.
  • Common Settings : Sports injuries, sudden twisting motions, direct impact trauma.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S83.512A Coding
S73.1

Sprain and strain of knee

Includes ACL tear of the left knee.

M23

Internal derangements of knee

Covers other knee internal derangements, potentially relevant.

S70-S79

Injuries to the knee and lower leg

Broader category encompassing knee injuries like ACL tears.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the ACL tear traumatic?

  • Yes

    Is it a sprain/strain?

  • No

    Is it a chronic/old tear?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left Knee ACL Tear
Left Knee Meniscus Tear
Left Knee MCL Sprain

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • ACL tear left knee documentation
  • Left knee exam: laxity, instability
  • Pain, swelling, limited ROM documented
  • Mechanism of injury: twisting, trauma
  • Orthopedic tests: Lachman, Pivot Shift

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Specificity of ACL Tear

    Coding requires specifying complete vs. partial tear (S83.51 vs. S83.52), impacting reimbursement and data accuracy. ICD-10 coding, clinical documentation improvement, healthcare compliance audit.

  • Laterality Documentation

    Missing left knee laterality (S83.511A) leads to claim denials. Crucial for medical coding accuracy, CDI, and compliance with payer rules. Knee injury coding, orthopedics.

  • Associated Meniscus Tear

    Often co-occurring, meniscus tears (S83.2) must be coded separately. Medical coding guidelines, compliant documentation, accurate reporting, knee injury coding.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document Lachman/Pivot Shift test results for accurate ICD-10 coding (S83.5).
  • Specify laterality (left knee) in clinical notes for proper billing and compliance.
  • MRI documentation crucial for ACL tear confirmation; supports medical necessity for repair.
  • Detailed operative report including graft type essential for accurate CPT coding (e.g., 29888).
  • Timely CDI review ensures complete documentation, reduces denials for left knee ACL tear claims.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Lachman Test positive documented
  • 2. Anterior Drawer Test result recorded
  • 3. Pivot Shift Test findings noted
  • 4. Knee MRI scan results reviewed

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Left Knee ACL Tear: Coding accuracy impacts reimbursement for arthroscopy, reconstruction.
  • ICD-10 S83.5, CPT 29888: Accurate coding maximizes payer reimbursement, reduces denials.
  • ACL Tear reporting: Quality metrics (e.g., return to sport) affect hospital ratings.
  • Timely, specific documentation of ACL tear improves coding, minimizes audit risk.

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
  • Code ACL tear laterality (left)
  • Document mechanism of injury
  • Specify partial/complete tear
  • Include imaging results (MRI)
  • Consider associated meniscus tear

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of left knee pain, instability, and swelling following a non-contact twisting injury during a basketball game.  Onset of symptoms was acute, occurring approximately one week ago.  Patient reports a "popping" sensation at the time of injury followed by immediate pain and difficulty weight-bearing.  Physical examination reveals tenderness along the joint line, positive Lachman test, positive anterior drawer test, and mild effusion.  McMurray's test was negative, suggesting no meniscus involvement.  Range of motion is limited due to pain and swelling.  Differential diagnosis includes anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain, and patellar tendonitis.  Pre-injury activity level was high, participating in competitive sports.  Current activity level is significantly limited due to pain and instability.  Assessment: Left knee ACL tear.  Plan: MRI of left knee is ordered to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate for any associated injuries.  Conservative treatment options including bracing, physical therapy, and activity modification will be discussed.  Surgical reconstruction of the ACL will be considered based on MRI findings, patient's activity level, and functional goals.  Patient education provided regarding ACL injury, treatment options, and expected recovery.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in one week to review MRI results and discuss treatment plan.  ICD-10 code: S83.511A  (Sprain of anterior cruciate ligament of left knee, initial encounter).
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