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S22.000A
ICD-10-CM
Thoracic Compression Fracture

Find information on thoracic compression fracture diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes, treatment options, and recovery. Learn about vertebral compression fractures, T-spine fractures, and pain management for thoracic spine injuries. This resource provides guidance for healthcare professionals on accurate coding and documentation for thoracic compression fractures in medical records. Explore resources for patients and physicians covering symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of compression fractures in the thoracic spine.

Also known as

Thoracic Vertebral Compression Fracture
Thoracic Wedge Fracture

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Break in a thoracic vertebra (mid-back bone) often caused by trauma or osteoporosis.
  • Clinical Signs : Back pain, tenderness, limited spinal movement, sometimes radiating pain. May be asymptomatic.
  • Common Settings : Emergency room, orthopedic clinic, physical therapy, pain management clinic

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S22.000A Coding
S22.0-

Fracture of thoracic vertebra

Fracture of the thoracic spine.

T08-T14.9

Injury of spine

Includes injuries to the thoracic spinal cord.

M48.4-

Collapsed vertebra

Vertebral collapse in the thoracic region.

M80-M80.9

Osteoporosis with current pathol

Osteoporosis may contribute to compression fractures.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Traumatic fracture?

  • Yes

    Site specified?

  • No

    Pathological fracture?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Thoracic Compression Fracture
Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture
Traumatic Vertebral Fracture

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Thoracic compression fracture diagnosis code
  • Document precise vertebral level(s)
  • Specify traumatic vs. atraumatic cause
  • Detail pain characteristics and location
  • Neurological exam findings if present

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Fracture

    Coding T12-L1 fractures as thoracic can lead to incorrect DRG assignment if documentation lacks specificity about the vertebra level.

  • Traumatic vs. Pathologic

    Failure to distinguish between traumatic and pathologic fractures (e.g., osteoporosis) impacts coding accuracy and reimbursement.

  • Documentation Deficiency

    Incomplete documentation of fracture type (compression, burst) and associated injuries can hinder accurate coding and CDI queries.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document precise fracture location using ICD-10 codes for CDI accuracy.
  • Specify injury mechanism: traumatic vs. pathologic for proper coding (e.g., M84.5).
  • Correlate imaging findings (X-ray, CT, MRI) with clinical exam for compliant documentation.
  • Query physician for osteoporosis if suspected, impacting HCC coding and risk adjustment.
  • For pathologic fractures, document underlying cause (e.g., malignancy) for accurate coding.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify trauma history or osteoporosis risk (ICD-10 M80, Z82.620)
  • Confirm localized thoracic pain (ICD-10 M54.6)
  • Image vertebrae T1-T12 (CPT 72114, 72070)
  • Assess vertebral height loss on imaging
  • Rule out other pathologies (e.g., infection, malignancy)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Thoracic Compression Fracture Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts MS-DRG assignment affecting hospital payments. Proper ICD-10 (T08-T11, M48.5, M84.4) and CPT coding crucial for appropriate reimbursement.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Pain management reporting (e.g., PQRS, NCAHPS) affected by coding and documentation of fracture treatment and patient pain levels.
  • Hospital Reporting: Accurate diagnosis coding impacts severity measures and case mix index (CMI) influencing hospital quality scores and public reporting.
  • Coding Accuracy: Correct coding of etiology (traumatic vs. pathologic, osteoporosis) essential for accurate reimbursement and quality data reflection.

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.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code T85.5 for traumatic fracture
  • Specify traumatic vs. pathologic
  • Document fracture location, type
  • Use 732.00 for X-ray imaging
  • Add 7th character for encounter

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of mid-back pain, possibly a thoracic compression fracture.  Onset of pain was [Date of onset] following [Mechanism of injury, e.g., fall, lifting heavy object, or insidious onset].  Pain is localized to the [Specific location, e.g., T4-T8 region] and described as [Character of pain, e.g., sharp, aching, burning].  Pain is aggravated by [Aggravating factors, e.g., movement, coughing, deep breathing] and relieved by [Relieving factors, e.g., rest, ice].  Patient reports [Associated symptoms, e.g., limited range of motion, numbness, tingling, radiating pain].  Past medical history includes [Relevant past medical history, e.g., osteoporosis, osteopenia, prior fractures, malignancy].  Medications include [Current medications].  Physical examination reveals [Physical exam findings, e.g., point tenderness over thoracic spine, kyphosis, decreased spinal range of motion, neurological deficits if present].  Differential diagnoses include thoracic compression fracture, intercostal neuralgia, musculoskeletal strain, and vertebral malignancy.  Imaging studies ordered include [Imaging ordered, e.g., thoracic spine X-ray, CT scan, MRI] to evaluate for vertebral compression fracture, assess bone density, and rule out other pathology.  Preliminary diagnosis is consistent with thoracic compression fracture based on clinical presentation and pending imaging confirmation.  Treatment plan includes pain management with [Pain management plan, e.g., analgesics, NSAIDs, opioids if necessary], activity modification, bracing if indicated, and referral to [Referrals, e.g., orthopedics, physical therapy] for further evaluation and management.  Patient education provided regarding fall prevention, proper body mechanics, and osteoporosis screening if applicable.  Follow-up scheduled in [Follow-up timeframe] to review imaging results and discuss further treatment options.