What is the ICD-10 code for a displaced fracture of the olecranon process without intraarticular extension of the right ulna, initial encounter for a closed fracture?
The ICD-10 code for a displaced fracture of the olecranon process without intraarticular extension of the right ulna, initial encounter for a closed fracture, is S52.021A.
Understanding ICD-10 Coding for Elbow Fractures
ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification) codes are critical for standardizing the classification of diseases, injuries, and health conditions. For fractures, these codes provide highly specific details regarding the bone involved, its location, laterality (left or right), type of fracture (e.g., open or closed, displaced or non-displaced), and the encounter type (initial, subsequent, or sequela).
The Specific Code Explained
The code S52.021A precisely identifies a particular type of elbow injury, focusing on a specific part of the ulna bone.
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| S52.021A | Displaced fracture of olecranon process without intraarticular extension of right ulna, initial encounter for closed fracture. | Right arm, ulna bone, olecranon process, displaced, no joint involvement, first visit for treatment, closed fracture. |
Let's break down the components of this code:
- S52: This general category indicates a fracture of the forearm, including the elbow.
- .02: This subcategory specifies the fracture of the olecranon process. The olecranon process is the prominent bony point of the elbow, forming the tip of the ulna bone.
- 1: This digit denotes the laterality, indicating the fracture is on the right arm.
- A: The final character signifies the "initial encounter." This means the patient is receiving active treatment for the fracture, such as surgical repair, cast application, or initial evaluation. It also specifies that it is for a closed fracture, meaning the skin remains intact over the fracture site. The description further clarifies that this is a displaced fracture (the bone fragments are not in their normal alignment) and without intraarticular extension (the fracture line does not extend into the elbow joint itself).
Why Precision in Coding Matters
Accurate ICD-10 coding is essential for several reasons:
- Medical Records: It provides a precise and standardized way to document patient diagnoses, ensuring clarity and consistency across healthcare providers.
- Billing and Reimbursement: Correct codes are necessary for proper medical billing, allowing healthcare providers to receive appropriate reimbursement for services rendered.
- Public Health and Research: Detailed coding helps track disease prevalence, injury rates, and treatment outcomes, contributing to public health surveillance and medical research.
Key Elements of This Fracture Classification
The S52.021A code encompasses several critical details that define the injury:
- Anatomical Location: The injury specifically affects the olecranon process of the ulna, which is one of the two long bones in the forearm.
- Laterality: The fracture is clearly identified as being in the right arm.
- Type of Fracture:
- Closed Fracture: The skin over the broken bone is not broken or pierced.
- Displaced Fracture: The bone fragments have moved out of their normal alignment.
- Without Intraarticular Extension: The fracture line does not involve the joint surface, which can influence treatment and prognosis.
- Encounter Type: This is the initial encounter, indicating the first time the patient is seen for definitive treatment of this specific injury.
