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S16.1XXA
ICD-10-CM
Trapezius Strain

Find information on Trapezius Strain diagnosis, including ICD-10 codes, clinical documentation tips, and healthcare resources. Learn about Trapezius muscle pain, symptoms, treatment, and best practices for accurate medical coding for Trapezius Strain. Explore resources for physicians, healthcare professionals, and medical coders seeking accurate and up-to-date information on Trapezius Strain diagnosis and documentation.

Also known as

Trapezius Muscle Strain
Upper Back Strain
Shoulder Girdle Strain

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Overstretching or tearing of trapezius muscle fibers.
  • Clinical Signs : Neck and shoulder pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, limited range of motion.
  • Common Settings : Weightlifting, poor posture, falls, whiplash, repetitive overhead activities.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S16.1XXA Coding
S46.1-

Sprain and strain of shoulder

Includes strains of the rotator cuff and trapezius muscles.

S46.-

Injuries to shoulder and upper arm

Encompasses various shoulder injuries, including muscle strains.

M79.1-

Myalgia

Muscle pain, which may accompany a trapezius strain.

S29.9-

Traumatic injury of thorax

A broader category if thoracic injury involves the trapezius.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Trapezius strain confirmed?

  • Yes

    Right or Left?

  • No

    Do NOT code as trapezius strain. Review documentation and select correct diagnosis.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Trapezius muscle strain
Cervical sprain/strain
Rotator cuff tear

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Trapezius strain ICD-10 code documented
  • Lateralization: Left or right trapezius affected
  • Onset date and mechanism of injury specified
  • Severity of muscle strain (mild, moderate, severe)
  • Objective physical exam findings of trapezius tenderness

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding trapezius strain without specifying right, left, or bilateral can lead to claim denials and inaccurate data reporting. Use ICD-10 laterality codes.

  • Unclear Acuity

    Failing to document the specific degree of the strain (mild, moderate, severe) can affect reimbursement and CDI specialist queries. Clarity improves coding accuracy.

  • Missing Mechanism

    Lack of documentation specifying traumatic vs. atraumatic or initial vs. subsequent encounter creates coding ambiguity for proper ICD-10 selection. Impacts compliance audits.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 S46.1xxA, accurate laterality for compliance
  • Document pain onset, type, radiation for CDI, M79.1
  • Gentle ROM exercises, avoid reinjury, CPT 97110
  • Rest, ice, compression, elevation, SNOMED CT 28236006
  • Pain management, NSAIDs, document dosage, RxNorm 888222

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify localized trapezius pain
  • Palpate for tenderness/trigger points
  • Assess ROM limitations, pain w movement
  • Rule out cervical spine pathology, nerve impingement
  • Document pain characteristics, mechanism of injury

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Trapezius Strain: ICD-10-CM S46.1-, CPT 97140 (manual therapy), proper modifier use crucial for reimbursement.
  • Coding accuracy impacts RVUs, affecting physician productivity and hospital revenue cycle management.
  • Timely and accurate diagnosis reporting improves quality metrics like patient satisfaction and recovery time.
  • Denial management for trapezius strain claims requires specific documentation of injury mechanism and treatment plan.

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
  • ICD-10 S46.1xxA Trapezius
  • Laterality: Add 7th character
  • Document injury mechanism
  • Confirm with physical exam
  • Exclude other diagnoses

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of trapezius muscle pain, stiffness, and spasm, consistent with a trapezius strain.  Onset of symptoms occurred [Date of onset] following [Mechanism of injury - e.g., lifting heavy object, awkward sleeping position, overuse from repetitive activity].  Patient reports pain localized to the [Location - e.g., upper back, neck, shoulder] region, described as [Character of pain - e.g., aching, sharp, burning].  Pain is exacerbated by [Aggravating factors - e.g., shoulder movement, head rotation, palpation].  Patient denies any radiating pain, numbness, or tingling.  Physical examination reveals [Objective findings - e.g., tenderness to palpation over the trapezius muscle, limited range of motion in the cervical spine and shoulder, palpable muscle spasm, postural abnormalities].  Neurological examination is unremarkable.  Differential diagnoses considered include cervical radiculopathy, rotator cuff tear, and myofascial pain syndrome.  Diagnosis of trapezius strain is supported by clinical presentation and physical exam findings.  Treatment plan includes rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain management, physical therapy focusing on range of motion exercises and strengthening, and patient education on proper posture and body mechanics.  Follow-up scheduled in [Duration - e.g., one week, two weeks] to assess response to treatment.  ICD-10 code: [Appropriate ICD-10 code - e.g., S46.111A - Strain of right trapezius muscle, initial encounter].
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