Types of Traumatic Fractures – ICD-10-CM Coding

Accurate ICD-10-CM coding for traumatic fractures requires identification of many documentation details. Among the details that can influence code selection is the fracture type. Fracture type is based on the nature or characteristics of the fracture in relation to components such as the type of force causing the fracture, or the orientation or number of fracture lines.

Please watch this presentation to learn about types of traumatic fractures that can be reported with ICD-10-CM codes.

Take Aways

• Trauma is the most common cause of fractures
• The nature of a fracture is referred to as its type
• Some ICD-10-CM codes are assigned based on documentation of type
• Type is based on characteristics such as pattern of breakage, type of force or number and type of bone fragments involved in the fracture.
• When a combination coding including both site and type is not available in ICD-10-CM, codes are for “Other” fracture by fracture site.

To find additional instruction in ICD-10-CM Coding for traumatic fractures, explore the course Traumatic Fracture Coding on HIAlearn.com.

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The information contained in this coding advice is valid at the time of posting. Viewers are encouraged to research subsequent official guidance in the areas associated with the topic as they can change rapidly.