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S20.221A
ICD-10-CM
Right Rib Contusion

Find information on right rib contusion diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (S22.4_), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare best practices for bruised ribs. Learn about symptoms, treatment options, and differential diagnosis for rib contusions on the right side. This resource provides essential information for physicians, coders, and other healthcare professionals dealing with right sided rib injuries and chest wall trauma.

Also known as

Bruised Right Rib
Right Thoracic Contusion

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Bruise of the right rib cage due to trauma.
  • Clinical Signs : Right-sided chest pain, tenderness to touch, bruising, swelling, shallow breathing.
  • Common Settings : Contact sports injury, falls, blunt chest trauma, motor vehicle accidents.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S20.221A Coding
S22.4-

Rib contusion, right side

Injury to the right rib cage without fracture.

S20-S29

Injuries to the thorax

Covers various chest injuries, including rib contusions.

S00-T98

Injury, poisoning, and certain other

Broad category encompassing injuries like contusions.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the right rib contusion the only diagnosis?

  • Yes

    Code: S12.11XA Right rib contusion, initial encounter

  • No

    Is there a rib fracture?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Right Rib Contusion
Right Rib Fracture
Chest Wall Contusion, Unspecified

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document mechanism of injury (MOI)
  • Laterality: specify right rib affected
  • Physical exam findings (e.g., tenderness)
  • Pain level/severity documentation
  • Imaging results if performed (e.g., X-ray)

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 S22.4xxA, precise documentation for rib contusion laterality
  • Document pain assessment, palpation findings for accurate CDI
  • Query physician for injury mechanism, impact compliance reporting
  • Review imaging reports for associated injuries, correct coding
  • Evaluate for pneumothorax or hemothorax, ensure complete diagnosis

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Localized pain over right rib(s): palpation, no crepitus ICD-10 S22.4xxA
  • 2. Chest X-ray: rule out fracture, pneumothorax SNOMED CT-73935009
  • 3. Breathing assessment: normal, no respiratory distress RxNorm 723222
  • 4. Pain management: analgesics, NSAIDs, ice packs LOINC 24431-1
  • 5. Patient education: rest, avoid strenuous activity ICD-10 Z71.89

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Right Rib Contusion reimbursement: ICD-10 S22.41XA, CPT 9928X ensures accurate billing.
  • Coding accuracy impacts rib contusion claims processing, reduces denials, improves revenue cycle.
  • Hospital reporting: Rib contusion diagnosis data affects quality metrics like ED throughput.
  • Accurate rib contusion coding improves patient safety by enabling data-driven care decisions.

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 S22.41xA for right rib contusion
  • Document injury mechanism clearly
  • Specify rib number if known
  • Query physician for laterality if unclear
  • Consider 7th character for encounter

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of right-sided chest pain and tenderness consistent with a suspected right rib contusion.  Onset of pain followed a reported [Mechanism of injury - e.g., fall, direct blow to the chest].  Pain is localized to the [Specific rib number(s) if identifiable] area of the right rib cage and is exacerbated by deep inspiration, coughing, and palpation.  Patient denies shortness of breath, hemoptysis, or radiating pain.  Physical examination reveals localized tenderness to palpation over the affected area with no crepitus or obvious deformity.  Auscultation of the lungs is clear.  Vital signs are within normal limits.  Assessment: Right rib contusion.  Differential diagnoses considered include rib fracture, pneumothorax, and pleurisy.  Rib fracture is considered less likely given the absence of crepitus and deformity.  Pneumothorax and pleurisy are ruled out based on clear lung sounds and the localized nature of the pain.  Plan: Conservative management with pain control using [Specify pain medication prescribed - e.g., NSAIDs, acetaminophen].  Patient education provided on pain management techniques, including ice application, splinting, and deep breathing exercises.  Follow-up as needed.  ICD-10 code: S22.41XA.  Patient advised to return if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.