The exact ICD-10 code for a left shoulder AC joint sprain, specifically for an initial encounter, is S43.52XA.
What is the ICD-10 Code for Left Shoulder AC Joint Sprain?
The ICD-10-CM code for a sprain of the left acromioclavicular (AC) joint, when it is the initial encounter for the injury, is S43.52XA. This code is essential for medical billing, record-keeping, and tracking health conditions.
Understanding the ICD-10 Code: S43.52XA
This specific code breaks down to provide detailed information about the diagnosis:
| Code Segment | Description | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| S43 | Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of shoulder girdle | Indicates a general category for shoulder girdle injuries. |
| S43.5 | Sprain of acromioclavicular joint | Narrows down to a sprain affecting the AC joint specifically. |
| S43.52 | Sprain of left acromioclavicular joint | Specifies the location of the sprain to the left AC joint. |
| X | Placeholder | Used to fill out the code to seven characters when there are no specific sub-classifications for this position. |
| A | Initial encounter | Denotes that this is the first time the patient is receiving active treatment for this specific injury. |
Key Aspects of S43.52XA
- Laterality: The "2" in S43.52XA explicitly indicates the left shoulder. If it were the right shoulder, the code would be S43.51XA.
- Encounter Type: The "A" at the end signifies an "initial encounter." This means the patient is receiving active treatment for the sprain. Other common encounter types include:
- D: Subsequent encounter (for routine healing or follow-up after active treatment has begun).
- S: Sequela (for complications or conditions that arise as a direct result of the sprain, even if the sprain itself has healed).
- Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint: This joint is located at the top of the shoulder, where the acromion (part of the shoulder blade) meets the clavicle (collarbone). Sprains to this joint are common, particularly in athletes, and can range from mild to severe.
For more detailed information on this and other ICD-10 codes, you can refer to authoritative sources such as the AAPC website.
