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S43.401A
ICD-10-CM
Right Shoulder Sprain

Find information on right shoulder sprain diagnosis, including ICD-10 codes, clinical documentation tips, and healthcare resources. Learn about right shoulder sprain treatment, symptoms, and prognosis. Explore accurate medical coding for right shoulder sprains and relevant clinical findings for proper documentation. This resource provides comprehensive information for healthcare professionals on managing and documenting right shoulder sprains effectively.

Also known as

Right AC Joint Sprain
Right Shoulder Ligament Injury

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Stretching or tearing of shoulder ligaments, causing pain and limited movement.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, instability, difficulty moving the shoulder.
  • Common Settings : Sports injuries, falls, overuse, lifting heavy objects, sudden movements.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S43.401A Coding
S43

Dislocation and sprain of shoulder

Covers sprains and dislocations of the shoulder joint and acromioclavicular joint.

M75

Shoulder lesions

Includes rotator cuff syndromes, impingement syndromes, and other shoulder lesions.

S40-S49

Injuries to the shoulder and upper arm

Encompasses various injuries to the shoulder and upper arm, including fractures and sprains.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is there a complete tear of a rotator cuff muscle/tendon?

  • Yes

    Code the appropriate rotator cuff tear (e.g., S46.001A-S46.031A).

  • No

    Is there a partial tear of a rotator cuff muscle/tendon?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Right Shoulder Sprain
Right Shoulder Strain
Right Shoulder Dislocation

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Laterality (right shoulder)
  • Sprain severity (mild, moderate, severe)
  • Mechanism of injury
  • Physical exam findings (e.g., ROM, tenderness)
  • ICD-10 code (e.g., S43.401A)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Sprain

    Coding with unspecified sprain (S43.50) without documenting laterality and specific site can lead to claim denials and lower reimbursement.

  • Traumatic vs. Atraumatic

    Failure to distinguish between traumatic (S43.4-) and atraumatic sprains can lead to inaccurate coding and affect quality reporting.

  • Grade/Severity Missing

    Lack of documentation specifying the grade of the sprain (mild, moderate, severe) impacts accurate code selection and appropriate care planning.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding (S43.4-): Specify laterality, joint, and degree.
  • Thorough documentation: Detail mechanism of injury, pain levels, ROM limitations.
  • CDI: Query physician for clarity on chronicity, associated injuries for correct code.
  • Compliance: Ensure coding aligns with documentation to support medical necessity.
  • Timely follow-up: Document response to treatment, adjust codes as needed for accuracy.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm right shoulder pain mechanism (e.g., trauma, overuse)
  • Assess ROM, palpation for tenderness, edema, ecchymosis
  • Rule out fracture/dislocation via imaging if indicated
  • Document Sprain severity (Grade I-III) based on exam
  • ICD-10: S43.4XXA, S43.4XXD, S43.4XXS - laterality, acuity

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Right Shoulder Sprain reimbursement impacts coding accuracy, impacting physician revenue and hospital reporting.
  • Accurate ICD-10 and CPT coding for Right Shoulder Sprain maximizes claim acceptance, minimizing denials.
  • Quality metrics for Right Shoulder Sprain diagnosis affect hospital value-based purchasing and public ratings.
  • Proper documentation of Right Shoulder Sprain improves patient care, reduces medical billing errors, and boosts reimbursement.

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 S43.4xxA initial encounter
  • Lateralize right shoulder sprain
  • Document injury mechanism
  • Specify acromioclavicular, glenohumeral, or other
  • Confirm laterality in documentation

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of right shoulder pain consistent with a right shoulder sprain. Onset of pain occurred on [Date of Onset] while [Mechanism of Injury - e.g., lifting a heavy object, falling on an outstretched arm]. Patient reports [Character of Pain - e.g., sharp, dull, aching] pain localized to the [Location of Pain - e.g., anterior, posterior, lateral] aspect of the right shoulder.  Pain is aggravated by [Aggravating Factors - e.g., movement, palpation] and relieved by [Relieving Factors - e.g., rest, ice].  Patient denies any numbness, tingling, or radiating pain.  Physical examination reveals [Objective Findings - e.g., tenderness to palpation over the anterior right shoulder, limited range of motion with abduction and external rotation, no gross deformity].  Strength testing is [Strength Testing Results - e.g., 5/5 throughout the right upper extremity].  No evidence of crepitus or instability noted.  Differential diagnosis includes rotator cuff tear, shoulder impingement syndrome, and clavicle fracture.  Assessment: Right shoulder sprain.  Plan:  Conservative management with RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation).  Patient advised to avoid strenuous activities involving the right shoulder.  Prescribed NSAIDs for pain management.  Referral for physical therapy will be provided.  Follow-up scheduled in [Duration - e.g., 1-2 weeks] to assess progress. ICD-10 code: [Appropriate ICD-10 code - e.g., S43.401A, S43.409A].
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