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S49.90XA
ICD-10-CM
Shoulder Injury

Find information on shoulder injury diagnosis, including rotator cuff tear, labral tear, frozen shoulder, shoulder impingement, dislocation, AC joint separation, and tendinitis. Learn about relevant clinical documentation requirements, medical coding (ICD-10, CPT), diagnostic imaging (MRI, X-ray), treatment options, and healthcare resources for accurate shoulder injury evaluation and management.

Also known as

Shoulder Pain
Rotator Cuff Tear
Shoulder Sprain

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Damage to any shoulder structure (rotator cuff, labrum, ligaments, tendons) causing pain and dysfunction.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, limited range of motion, weakness, clicking or popping sensation, swelling or bruising.
  • Common Settings : Sports injuries, falls, repetitive overhead activities, workplace accidents, degenerative conditions.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S49.90XA Coding
S00-S99

Injuries to the shoulder and upper arm

Covers various shoulder injuries like dislocations, fractures, and sprains.

M75-M79

Other soft tissue disorders

Includes rotator cuff syndromes, bursitis, and other shoulder soft tissue problems.

M24-M25

Other joint disorders

May encompass shoulder instability, acquired shoulder deformities, and related issues.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the shoulder injury a fracture?

  • Yes

    Which bone?

  • No

    Dislocation/Subluxation?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Shoulder Injury
Rotator Cuff Tear
Shoulder Dislocation

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Shoulder injury diagnosis documentation checklist
  • ICD-10 code for shoulder injury specificity
  • Laterality (left or right shoulder) documented
  • Detailed injury mechanism description
  • Physical exam findings: ROM, tenderness
  • Imaging results if available (X-ray, MRI)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Trauma

    Coding shoulder injury as unspecified trauma when more specific documentation exists, leading to inaccurate severity and payment.

  • Rotator Cuff Laterality

    Omitting laterality (right/left) when coding rotator cuff tears, impacting accurate reporting and data analysis for shoulder injuries.

  • Atraumatic vs Traumatic

    Miscoding atraumatic shoulder pain (e.g., osteoarthritis) as a traumatic injury, impacting quality reporting and reimbursement accuracy.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document precise shoulder location, laterality using ICD-10 codes for accurate CDI.
  • Capture injury mechanism, activity details for proper E/M coding, compliance.
  • Order appropriate imaging, specify suspected diagnosis for optimal reimbursement.
  • Assess ROM, strength, neurovascular status, document findings for complete record.
  • Reconcile medication history, allergies for patient safety, compliant prescribing.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify laterality: Left or right shoulder documented
  • Confirm MOI/onset: Traumatic vs. atraumatic
  • Check imaging reports: X-ray, MRI, CT findings
  • Assess ROM and strength: Active/passive limitations
  • Document ICD-10 and CPT codes: Accurate diagnosis coding

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Shoulder Injury reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 (S40-S49) and CPT coding for optimal payment.
  • Coding errors impact shoulder injury claims processing, causing denials and reduced hospital revenue.
  • Accurate shoulder injury documentation drives quality metrics like patient outcomes and complication rates.
  • Proper coding and reporting improve shoulder injury data analysis for resource allocation and performance benchmarking.

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 rotator cuff tears S46
  • Specify laterality for shoulder injuries
  • Document injury mechanism for S40-S49
  • Use 7th character for encounter type
  • Check ICD-10-CM guidelines for fractures

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of shoulder pain, possibly indicating a shoulder injury.  Onset of symptoms occurred [Date of onset] following [Mechanism of injury; e.g., fall, overuse, sports injury].  Patient reports [Character of pain; e.g., sharp, dull, aching, burning] pain localized to [Location of pain; e.g., anterior, posterior, lateral shoulder; specify if radiating] with [Exacerbating factors; e.g., movement, rest, lifting] and alleviated by [Alleviating factors; e.g., rest, ice, heat, medication].  Pain severity reported as [Pain scale rating; e.g., 3/10 on numerical rating scale].  Physical examination reveals [Objective findings; e.g., tenderness to palpation, limited range of motion, crepitus, swelling, deformity, muscle weakness, positive impingement signs such as Neer or Hawkins test].  Differential diagnosis includes rotator cuff tear, shoulder impingement syndrome, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), shoulder instability, labral tear, biceps tendonitis, arthritis, and fracture.  Diagnostic imaging including [Imaging studies ordered; e.g., X-ray, MRI, ultrasound] may be indicated to further evaluate the shoulder joint and surrounding structures.  Initial treatment plan includes [Treatment plan; e.g., rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy referral, corticosteroid injection].  Patient education provided regarding activity modification, pain management strategies, and potential complications.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in [Duration; e.g., 2 weeks] to assess response to treatment and determine further management.  ICD-10 code[s] [Insert appropriate ICD-10 code(s); e.g., M75.1, S43.401A] may be considered based on clinical findings.  CPT code[s] for evaluation and management (E/M) services and procedures will be assigned based on the complexity of the visit and specific interventions performed. 
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