Facebook tracking pixel
S52.90XA
ICD-10-CM
Radius Fracture

Find information on radius fracture diagnosis, including distal radius fracture, Colles fracture, Smith fracture, and torus fracture. Learn about ICD-10 codes for radius fracture, CPT codes for fracture care, clinical documentation improvement for radius fractures, and healthcare guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. Explore resources for proper medical coding, billing, and documentation of radius fractures. Understand the different types of radius fractures, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options.

Also known as

Distal Radius Fracture
Radial Shaft Fracture
Colles' Fracture
+1 more

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Break in the radius bone of the forearm, commonly near the wrist.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, swelling, tenderness, deformity, limited motion, bruising.
  • Common Settings : Falls, sports injuries, trauma, osteoporosis.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S52.90XA Coding
S52

Fracture of forearm

Includes fractures of the radius and ulna.

S52.0

Fracture of upper end of radius

Fractures involving the head and neck of the radius.

S52.1

Fracture of shaft of radius

Fractures of the radial diaphysis (shaft).

S52.5

Fracture of lower end of radius

Fractures of the distal radius, including Colles' and Smith's fractures.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the radius fracture traumatic?

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Radius fracture diagnosis documentation
  • ICD-10 code for radius fracture: S52
  • Document fracture laterality (left or right)
  • Specify open/closed fracture and displacement
  • Document associated injuries (ulna, wrist)
  • Mechanism of injury details are crucial

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Unspecified

    Coding radius fracture without specifying right or left can lead to claim denials and inaccurate data reporting. CDI should query for laterality.

  • Displaced vs. Nondisplaced

    Failure to document displacement status impacts code selection and reimbursement. Audits focus on proper coding based on radiological findings.

  • Unspecified Site

    Lack of detail regarding specific location (distal, proximal, shaft) causes coding errors and impacts severity. CDI should clarify documentation.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document FOOSH, mechanism of injury for accurate ICD-10 coding.
  • Specify radial displacement, fracture type for S72 ICD-10 specificity.
  • Capture laterality, closed vs open fracture in clinical notes for CDI.
  • Query physician for complete documentation to support medical necessity.
  • Ensure proper CPT coding for reduction, casting, and follow-up care.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify mechanism of injury documented (fall, trauma)
  • Physical exam: Assess pain, deformity, tenderness
  • X-ray imaging: Confirm radial fracture location, type
  • Document distal neurovascular status (pulse, sensation)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Radius Fracture Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts payer contracts and claim denials. Proper ICD-10 and CPT coding maximizes revenue.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Accurate fracture documentation affects hospital quality reporting scores for patient safety and outcomes.
  • Coding Compliance: Correctly coded radius fractures ensure compliance with medical billing regulations and avoid audits.
  • Hospital Revenue Cycle: Optimized coding and documentation for radius fractures improves the efficiency of the hospital revenue cycle.

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 distal radius fx S52
  • Specify laterality, open/closed
  • Document fracture displacement
  • Add ICD-10 Gustilo grade if open
  • Check 73100 for X-ray

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of wrist pain, swelling, and limited range of motion following a fall onto an outstretched hand.  On physical examination, tenderness is noted over the distal radius.  Ecchymosis and deformity may be present.  Neurovascular examination reveals intact sensation and capillary refill in the affected extremity.  Preliminary diagnosis of distal radius fracture is suspected.  Radiographic imaging of the wrist, including PA and lateral views, was ordered to confirm the diagnosis and assess fracture displacement, angulation, and articular involvement.  Differential diagnoses include Colles fracture, Smith fracture, Barton fracture, and radial styloid fracture.  Treatment plan will be determined based on radiographic findings and may include closed reduction, splinting, casting, or surgical intervention with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) if indicated.  Patient education provided regarding pain management, immobilization, and follow-up care.  ICD-10 codes S52.5XXA, S52.5XXB, S52.5XXC, S52.5XXD will be considered based on laterality and specific fracture type.  CPT codes for potential procedures include 25600, 25605, 25607, 25609 depending on the complexity of the fracture and treatment required.  Follow-up appointment scheduled for reassessment and discussion of further management.