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
Injuries to the shoulder and upper arm
Covers various shoulder injuries like dislocations, fractures, and sprains.
Other soft tissue disorders
Includes rotator cuff syndromes, bursitis, and other shoulder soft tissue problems.
Other joint disorders
May encompass shoulder instability, acquired shoulder deformities, and related issues.
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?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Shoulder Injury |
Rotator Cuff Tear |
Shoulder Dislocation |
Coding shoulder injury as unspecified trauma when more specific documentation exists, leading to inaccurate severity and payment.
Omitting laterality (right/left) when coding rotator cuff tears, impacting accurate reporting and data analysis for shoulder injuries.
Miscoding atraumatic shoulder pain (e.g., osteoarthritis) as a traumatic injury, impacting quality reporting and reimbursement accuracy.
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.