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S32.10XA
ICD-10-CM
Sacral Fracture

Find comprehensive information on sacral fractures, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 and CPT codes for accurate medical coding, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options. Learn about sacrum fracture classification, sacral insufficiency fractures, and postoperative care. This resource provides essential information for healthcare professionals, coders, and clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of sacral fractures.

Also known as

Fracture of the Sacrum
Sacral Bone Fracture

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Break in the sacrum, the bone at the base of the spine.
  • Clinical Signs : Lower back pain, buttock pain, numbness, difficulty walking.
  • Common Settings : Falls, trauma, osteoporosis, high-energy impacts.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S32.10XA Coding
S32

Fracture of sacrum and coccyx

Covers fractures of the sacrum and coccyx (tailbone).

S30-S39

Injuries to the pelvis and hip

Includes various injuries to the pelvic region and hip joint.

S00-T98

Injury, poisoning and certain other

Encompasses a broad range of injuries, poisonings, and external causes.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the sacral fracture traumatic?

  • Yes

    Zone of sacral fracture?

  • No

    Pathological fracture?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Sacral Fracture
Coccyx Fracture
Pelvic Ring Fracture

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Sacral fracture diagnosis: ICD-10 code, laterality
  • Document mechanism of injury (MOI): Fall, trauma
  • Neurological assessment: Sensory, motor function
  • Imaging confirmation: X-ray, CT, MRI findings
  • Pain assessment: Location, severity, character

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Trauma Type

    Coding sacral fractures without specifying traumatic vs. pathologic/stress impacts severity and reimbursement.

  • Incomplete Documentation

    Missing laterality, fracture type (e.g., transverse, comminuted), or displacement details hinders accurate code assignment.

  • Associated Injury Coding

    Failing to capture associated pelvic, spinal, or nerve injuries leads to undercoding and lost revenue.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document mechanism of injury for accurate ICD-10 coding (S32.-)
  • Specify fracture type (transverse, compression) for optimal CDI
  • Correlate imaging findings (X-ray, CT, MRI) with clinical exam
  • Query physician for complete documentation of neurologic status
  • Ensure compliant coding for osteoporosis and related conditions

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Hx: Fall, trauma, osteoporosis risk? ICD-10 S32, S22.0
  • Physical exam: Tenderness, edema, ecchymosis? Document location.
  • Imaging: X-ray, CT, or MRI for confirmation? Document results.
  • Neuro exam: Evaluate bowel/bladder, LE function. Cauda equina?
  • Pain management plan: Analgesics, PT referral? Document.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Sacral Fracture Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts MSDRG assignment and payment. Proper documentation of fracture type, location, and associated injuries is crucial for maximizing reimbursement.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Sacral fracture mortality rates, complication rates (e.g., DVT, infection), and readmission rates are key quality indicators reported to CMS.
  • Coding Accuracy: Accurate ICD-10-CM coding (S32-, S22.1-, S22.0-) and appropriate 7th character usage are vital for correct APC/DRG assignment and optimal reimbursement.
  • Hospital Reporting: Accurate sacral fracture data impacts hospital quality reporting, including Value-Based Purchasing and Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction programs.

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 S32-, specify type/location
  • Document mechanism of injury
  • Query physician for laterality
  • Include ICD-10-CM, 7th character
  • Check for associated fractures

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of low back pain, possibly a sacral fracture.  Onset of pain was (date of onset) following (mechanism of injury - e.g., fall, direct trauma).  Pain is described as (character of pain - e.g., sharp, dull, aching) and located in the sacral region, potentially radiating to (areas of radiation - e.g., buttocks, legs).  Patient reports (aggravating factors - e.g., sitting, standing, walking) and (alleviating factors - e.g., lying down, ice, medication).  Associated symptoms may include (associated symptoms - e.g., bowel or bladder dysfunction, numbness, tingling).  Physical examination reveals (physical exam findings - e.g., tenderness to palpation over the sacrum, limited range of motion, neurological deficits).  Imaging studies, including (imaging studies ordered - e.g., X-ray, CT scan, MRI) of the sacrum and pelvis, were ordered to evaluate for sacral insufficiency fracture, stress fracture, or traumatic fracture.  Differential diagnosis includes lumbar strain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and spinal stenosis.  Preliminary diagnosis is consistent with sacral fracture.  Treatment plan includes (treatment plan - e.g., pain management with analgesics, NSAIDs, physical therapy, surgical consultation if necessary).  Patient education provided regarding activity modification, weight-bearing restrictions, and fall prevention.  Follow-up appointment scheduled for (date of follow up) to reassess symptoms and discuss further management.  ICD-10 code (appropriate ICD-10 code - e.g., S32.XXX) is pending imaging confirmation.  This documentation supports medical coding and billing for sacral fracture care.
Sacral Fracture - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation