Facebook tracking pixel
S02.91XA
ICD-10-CM
Skull Fracture

Find comprehensive information on skull fracture diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 codes S02), and healthcare guidelines. Learn about types of skull fractures (linear, depressed, basilar), signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures (CT scan, X-ray), treatment options, and complications. This resource is for healthcare professionals, medical coders, and individuals seeking information on skull fracture management and documentation.

Also known as

Cranial Fracture
Head Fracture

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Break in the cranial bone, ranging from minor cracks to severe breaks.
  • Clinical Signs : Headache, nausea, bruising, bleeding, swelling, altered mental status.
  • Common Settings : Emergency room, trauma center, neurosurgery clinic.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S02.91XA Coding
S02.0-S02.9

Fracture of skull and facial bones

Covers fractures of the skull and facial bones.

S00.0-S09.9

Injuries to the head

Includes various head injuries like contusions, lacerations, and fractures.

S06.0-S06.9

Intracranial injury

Describes injuries within the skull, often associated with skull fractures.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Open or closed fracture?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Skull Fracture
Concussion
Cerebral Contusion

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Skull fracture type (e.g., linear, depressed, basilar)
  • Location of fracture (e.g., frontal, parietal, occipital)
  • Neurological exam findings (e.g., GCS, focal deficits)
  • Associated injuries (e.g., intracranial hemorrhage, lacerations)
  • Mechanism of injury (e.g., fall, assault, MVA)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Fracture Site

    Coding skull fracture without specifying location (e.g., frontal, basal) leads to inaccurate DRG assignment and lost revenue.

  • Open vs. Closed Fracture

    Miscoding open vs. closed skull fractures impacts severity, reimbursement, and quality reporting. CDI crucial for accurate documentation.

  • Pediatric Skull Fractures

    Growth plate involvement and unique fracture types in children require specific codes. Coding errors lead to compliance risks.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document fracture type, location, and cause for ICD-10 accuracy.
  • Ensure clear CDI of skull fracture severity for correct coding.
  • Code associated injuries (e.g., intracranial trauma) for compliance.
  • Query physician for clarity if documentation lacks detail for proper coding.
  • Regularly audit skull fracture documentation for HCC coding compliance.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Hx: Head trauma, LOC, neurological deficit?
  • PE: Palpate skull, assess neuro status
  • Imaging: Order CT scan of head
  • Document fracture type, location, complications
  • Consider consult: Neurosurgery, trauma

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Skull Fracture reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (S02) and proper modifier use for optimal payer payments.
  • Coding quality directly impacts Skull Fracture case severity (AIS) and hospital trauma registry data accuracy.
  • Missed secondary diagnoses (e.g., intracranial injury) with Skull Fractures decrease appropriate reimbursement.
  • Accurate Skull Fracture coding strengthens physician documentation, improves hospital quality reporting, and reduces denials.

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 fracture type, site, laterality
  • ICD-10 S02 Skull Fracture codes
  • Document mechanism of injury
  • Query physician for clarity if needed
  • Check 7th character for encounter

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with possible skull fracture.  Chief complaint includes [Insert chief complaint e.g., headache, head injury, facial pain, altered mental status, etc.].  Mechanism of injury reported as [Insert mechanism of injury e.g., fall, motor vehicle accident, blunt force trauma, assault, etc.].  On physical examination, notable findings include [Insert positive findings e.g., scalp laceration, tenderness to palpation, ecchymosis, periorbital edema, Battle sign, raccoon eyes, cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea or otorrhea, neurological deficits, etc.].  Negative findings include [Insert pertinent negatives e.g., no loss of consciousness, no nausea or vomiting, no focal neurological deficits, etc.].  Differential diagnosis includes skull fracture, concussion, intracranial hemorrhage, contusion, scalp laceration.  Imaging studies ordered include [Insert ordered imaging studies e.g., skull x-ray, CT scan of the head, CT scan of the face, etc.].  Preliminary diagnosis of [Insert type of skull fracture if known e.g., linear skull fracture, depressed skull fracture, basilar skull fracture, etc.] is suspected based on clinical presentation and mechanism of injury.  Patient is stable and alert, oriented to person, place, and time.  Neurological exam reveals [Insert detailed neurological findings e.g., Glasgow Coma Scale score, cranial nerve assessment, motor strength, sensory exam, deep tendon reflexes, etc.]. Treatment plan includes [Insert treatment plan e.g., pain management, observation, neurosurgical consultation, admission for monitoring, antibiotics for CSF leak, surgical intervention if indicated, etc.].  Patient education provided regarding signs and symptoms of complications such as intracranial bleeding, infection, and neurological deficits.  Follow-up care with [Specialty e.g., neurosurgery, primary care physician] scheduled in [Timeframe].  ICD-10 code S02.  Further evaluation and management pending imaging results and clinical course.