Injuries to the elbow and forearm
ICD-10 Codes (0)
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Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
New Codes (1)
Revised Codes (1)
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for S100-S109 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range S100-S109 pertains to injuries to the elbow and forearm. This includes a variety of conditions such as fractures, dislocations, sprains and strains, crushing injuries, and more. The codes are used to specify the type of injury, the location, and whether it is the initial encounter, subsequent encounter, or sequela.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always specify the type of injury (fracture, dislocation, sprain, etc.).
- •Include the location of the injury within the elbow or forearm.
- •Distinguish between initial encounter, subsequent encounter, or sequela.
- •Use additional codes to identify any associated injuries.
- •Specify the patient's laterality (right, left, bilateral).
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When documenting an initial injury to the elbow or forearm.
- ✓For follow-up visits related to an elbow or forearm injury.
- ✓When coding for sequela related to a previous elbow or forearm injury.
- ✓For injuries that involve multiple parts of the elbow or forearm.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗For chronic conditions affecting the elbow or forearm.
- ✗When the injury is not located in the elbow or forearm.
- ✗For congenital anomalies of the elbow or forearm.
- ✗When the patient is being seen for a condition unrelated to an elbow or forearm injury.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the patient's medical record and the ICD-10 coding guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for injuries to the elbow and forearm should be detailed and specific. It should include the type of injury, the location, and the patient's laterality. It should also specify whether the encounter is initial, subsequent, or sequela.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of injury
- •Location of injury
- •Patient's laterality
- •Whether the encounter is initial, subsequent, or sequela
- •Any associated injuries
Supporting Evidence:
- •Medical history
- •Physical examination findings
- •Imaging studies
- •Operative reports
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presents with a closed fracture of the right radius, initial encounter. X-ray confirms the diagnosis.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has a broken arm.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the type of injury
- ⚠Omitting the location of the injury
- ⚠Not indicating the patient's laterality
- ⚠Failing to specify whether the encounter is initial, subsequent, or sequela
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
The coding complexity for injuries to the elbow and forearm is rated as medium. This is due to the need to accurately identify the type and location of the injury, distinguish between initial and subsequent encounters, code for any associated injuries, and specify the patient's laterality. All of these factors require a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the elbow and forearm, as well as the ability to interpret detailed medical documentation.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the specific type of injury
- ▸Identifying the exact location of the injury
- ▸Distinguishing between initial encounter, subsequent encounter, and sequela
- ▸Coding for associated injuries
- ▸Specifying the patient's laterality
Specialty Focus
These codes are most commonly used by orthopedic surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, and primary care providers. They may also be used by physical therapists and occupational therapists.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents to the emergency department with a dislocated elbow.
- • A patient is seen in the orthopedic clinic for a follow-up visit after a forearm fracture.
- • A patient is referred to physical therapy for rehabilitation after a sprain of the forearm.
- • A patient presents to their primary care provider with pain and swelling in the elbow, which is found to be due to a contusion.
Resources & References
Resources for coding injuries to the elbow and forearm include the official ICD-10 coding guidelines, clinical reference books, and educational materials from professional coding organizations.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Hospital Association's Coding Clinic
- National Center for Health Statistics
Clinical References:
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- American College of Emergency Physicians
Educational Materials:
- American Health Information Management Association
- American Academy of Professional Coders
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I code for a patient with a fracture of the radius and ulna?
You would use two separate codes: one for the radius fracture and one for the ulna fracture. Be sure to specify the patient's laterality and whether the encounter is initial, subsequent, or sequela.