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S52.619A
ICD-10-CM
Ulnar Styloid Fracture

Learn about ulnar styloid fracture diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10, CPT), treatment, and recovery. Find information on distal radius fractures, ulnar variance, DRUJ instability, and associated injuries. Explore resources for healthcare professionals on proper documentation and coding for ulnar styloid fractures. Understand the clinical significance, radiographic findings, and management of this common wrist injury.

Also known as

Styloid Process of Ulna Fracture
Ulna Styloid Fracture

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Break in the bony prominence on the outside of the wrist.
  • Clinical Signs : Wrist pain, swelling, tenderness, limited range of motion, possible deformity.
  • Common Settings : Falls, sports injuries, direct impact to the wrist.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S52.619A Coding
S62.1-

Fracture of lower end of ulna

This code range covers fractures specifically at the lower end of the ulna, including the styloid process.

S62.-

Fracture of forearm

This broader category includes all forearm fractures, encompassing ulna fractures but also radius and both-bone fractures.

S00-T98

Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes

This is a very general category for all injuries, including fractures, but less specific than S62.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the ulnar styloid fracture closed?

  • Yes

    Is it displaced?

  • No

    Is it displaced?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Ulnar styloid fracture
Distal radius fracture
TFC tear

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Ulnar styloid fracture: Document mechanism of injury
  • Specify location: Distal, mid-shaft, or base of styloid
  • Describe fracture: Displaced, non-displaced, comminuted
  • Associated injuries: TFCC, DRUJ, ulnar head
  • Document ulnar variance if radiographs available

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Coding

    Missing or incorrect laterality (right, left, unspecified) for ulnar styloid fracture can lead to claim denials or inaccurate data reporting.

  • Specificity of Diagnosis

    Coding a general fracture code when a more specific ulnar styloid fracture code is documented leads to underreporting severity and lost revenue.

  • Associated Injuries

    Failing to code associated injuries like distal radius fractures or ligament tears with ulnar styloid fractures impacts reimbursement and quality metrics.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document ulnar variance for accurate ICD-10 coding (S52).
  • Detailed PE improves CDI for ulnar styloid fx claims.
  • Image with x-ray, CT/MRI per clinical guidelines for compliance.
  • Assess for DRUJ instability, document for proper CPT coding.
  • Communicate fx type, location, and displacement clearly in notes.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Fall on outstretched hand? Document mechanism of injury.
  • 2. Pain, tenderness at ulnar styloid? Palpate distal ulna.
  • 3. X-ray wrist: Include ulnar styloid view.
  • 4. DRUJ instability? Assess distal radioulnar joint.
  • 5. Document fracture type, displacement. Consider associated injuries.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Ulnar Styloid Fracture Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts payer contract negotiations, influencing case mix index and overall hospital revenue.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Accurate fracture classification (e.g., displaced, non-displaced) affects publicly reported quality measures and hospital ratings.
  • Coding and Documentation: Precise documentation of associated injuries (e.g., TFCC tear, distal radius fracture) is crucial for appropriate reimbursement and complication tracking.
  • Hospital Reporting: Accurate coding supports data-driven decision-making for resource allocation and service line development related to upper extremity trauma.

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 distal radius fx if present
  • Specify nondisplaced vs displaced
  • Document ulnar variance
  • Add laterality: left or right
  • ICD-10 S52.6XXA

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of left wrist pain following a fall onto an outstretched hand.  The patient reports localized tenderness and swelling over the ulnar aspect of the wrist.  Mechanism of injury consistent with a fall on outstretched hand FOOSH.  Physical examination reveals point tenderness over the ulnar styloid,  ecchymosis, and mild edema.  Range of motion is limited due to pain, particularly with ulnar deviation and wrist flexion.  No crepitus is appreciated.  Neurovascular exam of the hand is intact, with capillary refill less than 2 seconds and normal sensation in the median, ulnar, and radial nerve distributions.  Radiographic imaging of the left wrist AP, lateral, and oblique views demonstrates a nondisplaced fracture of the ulnar styloid process.  Diagnosis of ulnar styloid fracture confirmed.  Differential diagnoses considered included wrist sprain, distal radius fracture, and triangular fibrocartilage complex TFCC injury.  Treatment plan includes immobilization with a volar splint, ice, elevation, and pain management with NSAIDs.  Patient education provided regarding activity modification and follow-up care.  Referral to orthopedics for definitive management and potential casting.  ICD-10 code S62.109A assigned for unspecified fracture of lower end of ulna, left side, initial encounter.  Return to clinic scheduled in one week for reevaluation and splint adjustment.