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S93.401A
ICD-10-CM
Sprain of Right Ankle

Find information on right ankle sprain diagnosis, including ICD-10 code S93.401A for initial encounter. Learn about clinical documentation requirements, medical coding best practices, and healthcare guidelines for sprained right ankle treatment. Explore resources related to right ankle sprain symptoms, diagnosis codes, and appropriate medical terminology for accurate documentation and billing. This resource provides essential information for physicians, coders, and other healthcare professionals dealing with right ankle sprains.

Also known as

Right Ankle Ligament Injury
Right Ankle Sprain

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Stretching or tearing of ligaments in the right ankle.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, swelling, bruising, limited range of motion, difficulty bearing weight.
  • Common Settings : Sports injuries, falls, awkward twisting motions.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S93.401A Coding
S93.4

Sprain of right ankle

Injury to ligaments of the right ankle joint.

S00-S99

Injuries to the head, neck, and trunk

Includes injuries like fractures, sprains, and dislocations.

M75-M79

Other soft tissue disorders

Covers various soft tissue disorders, including enthesopathies.

W00-W19

Slipping, tripping, stumbling and falls

Describes falls and their related injuries, like ankle sprains.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the right ankle sprain specified as initial encounter?

  • Yes

    Ligament disruption?

  • No

    Subsequent encounter? Routine healing?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Right ankle sprain
Right ankle strain
Right ankle fracture

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Right ankle sprain ICD-10 code
  • Lateral, medial, or syndesmotic sprain documentation
  • Severity: Grade 1, 2, or 3 sprain specified
  • Mechanism of injury: Inversion, eversion, etc.
  • Physical exam findings: Swelling, bruising, tenderness

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality unspecified

    Coding right ankle sprain without specifying laterality can lead to claim rejection or inaccurate data reporting. Use correct ICD-10 codes.

  • Incomplete documentation

    Lack of specific details (e.g., ligament involved, grade of sprain) may cause coding errors and affect reimbursement. Improve CDI queries.

  • Unspecified cause

    Failure to document the cause of the sprain (e.g., sports injury, fall) can lead to coding ambiguity and compliance issues. Enhance documentation.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • RICE therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding (e.g., S93.401A)
  • Detailed documentation of injury mechanism
  • Assess for instability and document thoroughly
  • Timely follow-up & rehab plan documentation

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm right ankle pain/tenderness
  • Assess for swelling/bruising
  • Evaluate range of motion/stability
  • Rule out fracture with Ottawa Ankle Rules
  • Document detailed physical exam findings

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Sprain of Right Ankle reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 coding (S03.5xxA-S03.5xxS) and proper documentation for optimal payer reimbursement.
  • Coding quality impacts sprain of right ankle claims. Incorrect laterality coding (e.g., left vs. right) can lead to denials or reduced payments.
  • Hospital quality reporting on ankle sprain diagnoses relies on accurate coding. This data informs performance benchmarks and resource allocation.
  • Timely filing and accurate CPT codes for associated procedures (e.g., application of cast/splint/strap) maximize right ankle sprain reimbursement.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: How can I differentiate between a grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 right ankle sprain during physical examination and what are the immediate management recommendations for each grade?

A: Differentiating ankle sprain grades relies on assessing ligament damage severity. Grade 1 sprains present with mild tenderness, minimal swelling, and no instability. Immediate management includes RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and early mobilization. Grade 2 sprains involve moderate pain, swelling, ecchymosis, and some instability. Management includes RICE, immobilization with a brace or splint, and progressive weight-bearing as tolerated. Grade 3 sprains present with severe pain, significant swelling, extensive bruising, and marked instability. These often require immobilization, sometimes including a short-leg cast, followed by a structured rehabilitation program. Accurate diagnosis through physical exam, including palpation for tenderness and assessment of joint laxity, is crucial. Consider implementing standardized assessment tools like the Ottawa Ankle Rules to rule out fractures. Explore how advanced imaging, such as MRI, can be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess ligamentous injury in complex cases.

Q: What are the evidence-based best practices for rehabilitation following a right ankle sprain to restore function and prevent recurrence in athletes?

A: Rehabilitation for right ankle sprains in athletes should focus on restoring range of motion, strength, proprioception, and functional stability. Early mobilization, within pain tolerance, is crucial. Progressive exercises should include range of motion activities, strengthening exercises targeting peroneal muscles, and balance training using wobble boards or unstable surfaces. Proprioceptive training is essential for restoring neuromuscular control and preventing re-injury. Consider implementing a structured rehabilitation protocol that incorporates sport-specific exercises to ensure a safe return to activity. Learn more about the use of functional performance tests, such as the single-leg hop test and the star excursion balance test, to assess readiness for return to sport.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code initial vs. subsequent
  • Laterality: Right ankle crucial
  • Document sprain severity
  • ICD-10: S03.5XXA, specify
  • Check 7th character

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of right ankle pain and swelling following an inversion injury while playing basketball.  Onset of symptoms occurred approximately two hours prior to presentation.  Patient reports hearing a popping sensation at the time of injury and experiencing immediate pain.  Physical examination reveals moderate edema and ecchymosis around the lateral malleolus.  Tenderness is noted over the anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament.  Range of motion is limited due to pain, with notable discomfort on inversion and plantarflexion.  Ankle sprain grade II is suspected.  Ottawa Ankle Rules were assessed, and radiographs were ordered to rule out fracture.  Radiographic findings negative for fracture.  Diagnosis of right ankle sprain confirmed.  Treatment plan includes RICE therapy rest, ice, compression, elevation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs for pain management, and a referral to physical therapy for rehabilitation exercises to improve strength, stability, and range of motion.  Patient advised to follow up in one week to assess progress and adjust treatment plan as needed.  ICD-10 code S93.401A, right ankle sprain unspecified, assigned.  Patient education provided regarding activity modification, proper use of crutches, and signs and symptoms of complications.  Patient demonstrates understanding of discharge instructions.
Sprain of Right Ankle - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation