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 S110-S119 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 S110-S119 pertains to injuries to the elbow and forearm. These codes cover a wide range of injuries including fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, and contusions. The codes are further subdivided to specify the exact location of the injury, the severity, and whether it is an initial encounter, subsequent encounter, or sequela.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always use a more specific code if available.
- •Use additional code to identify any retained foreign body.
- •For fractures, codes are available to specify open or closed, displaced or non-displaced.
- •For injuries that involve multiple regions of the arm, use additional codes.
- •For injuries not listed here, use other specified or unspecified codes within this range.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓Patient presents with a fractured radius.
- ✓Patient has a dislocated elbow.
- ✓Patient has a sprained wrist from a fall.
- ✓Patient has a contusion on the forearm.
- ✓Patient has a strain of the muscles and tendons of the forearm.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗Patient has a chronic condition of the elbow or forearm.
- ✗Patient has a disease or disorder of the elbow or forearm.
- ✗Patient has a congenital anomaly of the elbow or forearm.
- ✗Patient has a burn or corrosion of the elbow or forearm.
- ✗Patient has a complication of a surgical procedure on the elbow or forearm.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions against the latest version of the ICD-10.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for injuries to the elbow and forearm should be detailed and specific. It should include the type of injury, the exact location, the severity, and the encounter type.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of injury
- •Exact location
- •Severity of injury
- •Encounter type
- •Cause of injury
Supporting Evidence:
- •Medical history
- •Physical examination findings
- •Imaging results
- •Operative reports
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presents with a displaced fracture of the right radius due to a fall. This is the initial encounter.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has a broken arm.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the exact location of the injury
- ⚠Not indicating the severity of the injury
- ⚠Not documenting the encounter type
- ⚠Not including the cause of injury
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for injuries to the elbow and forearm is of medium complexity due to the need for specificity in location, severity, encounter type, and cause of injury. Additionally, multiple codes may be needed for multiple injuries.
Key Factors:
- ▸Need to specify exact location
- ▸Need to indicate severity
- ▸Need to document encounter type
- ▸Need to include cause of injury
- ▸Need to use additional codes for multiple injuries
Specialty Focus
These codes are most commonly used in orthopedics, emergency medicine, and sports medicine.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • Patient falls and fractures radius.
- • Athlete dislocates elbow during game.
- • Patient sprains wrist lifting heavy object.
- • Child gets contusion on forearm from playground accident.
- • Patient strains forearm muscles lifting weights.
Resources & References
Resources for these codes include the ICD-10 manual, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and the American College of Emergency Physicians.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
- American College of Emergency Physicians
Clinical References:
- Orthopedic Trauma Association
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand
Educational Materials:
- ICD-10-CM Coding Handbook
- ICD-10-CM Coding Workbook
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these codes for chronic conditions of the elbow and forearm?
No, these codes are for injuries. Chronic conditions have their own specific codes elsewhere in the ICD-10.