Injuries to the hip and thigh
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 S150-S159 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 S150-S159 is designated for injuries to the hip and thigh. This includes a variety of injuries such as fractures, dislocations, sprains, and strains, as well as injuries to blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and tendons in the hip and thigh region. These codes are used in a wide range of medical settings, from emergency departments to orthopedic clinics, and are crucial for accurate documentation and billing.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity, which often includes the site of the injury, the type of injury, and whether it is the initial or subsequent encounter.
- •Use additional codes, if necessary, to identify any associated open wounds or complications.
- •In cases of multiple injuries, code each injury separately.
- •If the injury is due to an external cause, use an additional code from Chapter 20 to identify the cause.
- •Remember to code any related aftercare or follow-up visits with the appropriate Z codes.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓Patient presents with a hip fracture due to a fall.
- ✓Patient has a muscle strain in the thigh from overexertion during exercise.
- ✓Patient has a dislocated hip from a car accident.
- ✓Patient has a hematoma of the thigh after a blunt force trauma.
- ✓Patient has a nerve injury in the hip from a surgical complication.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗Patient has a chronic condition affecting the hip or thigh, such as arthritis or bursitis.
- ✗Patient has a congenital anomaly of the hip or thigh.
- ✗Patient has a disease of the hip or thigh, such as osteoporosis or a tumor.
- ✗Patient has a hip or thigh injury that is healing and is being seen for aftercare.
- ✗Patient has a hip or thigh condition that is not due to an injury, such as a deformity or a dislocation due to a disease process.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions by referring to the official ICD-10 guidelines and the specific code's instructions.
Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation for S150-S159 codes requires detailed clinical information about the injury. This includes the type of injury, the specific location, the cause, and any complications. Supporting evidence such as imaging reports, surgical reports, and physical examination findings is also crucial.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of injury (fracture, dislocation, sprain, etc.)
- •Specific location within the hip or thigh
- •Cause of the injury (fall, accident, etc.)
- •Any complications (nerve damage, infection, etc.)
- •Whether it is the initial encounter or a subsequent encounter
Supporting Evidence:
- •Imaging reports
- •Surgical reports
- •Physical examination findings
- •Patient's history and symptom description
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presents with a fracture of the right femoral neck due to a fall at home. X-ray confirms the diagnosis. This is the initial encounter.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has a hip fracture.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not coding to the highest level of specificity
- ⚠Not coding each injury separately in cases of multiple injuries
- ⚠Not using additional codes for associated open wounds or complications
- ⚠Not using an external cause code when the injury is due to an external cause
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
The complexity of coding for S150-S159 injuries is medium due to the need for detailed clinical information and the potential for multiple codes. Coders must be able to accurately interpret clinical documentation and apply the correct codes to a variety of injury types and locations, as well as identify any associated complications or external causes. Additionally, coders must be aware of the exclusions for this code range.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the specific type and location of the injury
- ▸Identifying any associated complications
- ▸Distinguishing between initial and subsequent encounters
- ▸Using additional codes for external causes or open wounds
- ▸Excluding conditions that are not classified as injuries
Specialty Focus
The S150-S159 codes are most commonly used in emergency medicine, orthopedics, and sports medicine. They are also used in general practice and in any specialty that deals with trauma or injuries.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents to the emergency department with a hip fracture from a fall.
- • A patient is seen in an orthopedic clinic for follow-up care after a hip dislocation.
- • A patient is seen in a sports medicine clinic for a thigh strain from overexertion during a soccer game.
- • A patient is seen in a general practice clinic for a thigh contusion from a blunt force trauma.
- • A patient is seen in a surgical clinic for a nerve injury in the hip from a surgical complication.
Resources & References
There are many resources available for coding S150-S159 injuries. The official ICD-10 guidelines are the primary source, but there are also clinical references and educational materials that can be helpful.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- ICD-10-CM Code Book
- American Hospital Association's Coding Clinic
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ICD-10 resources
Clinical References:
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guidelines
- American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) guidelines
- American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) guidelines
Educational Materials:
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) ICD-10 training materials
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) ICD-10 training materials
- Local coding chapter meetings and webinars
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I code a hip fracture that is healing and is being seen for aftercare?
For a hip fracture that is healing and is being seen for aftercare, you would use a Z code for aftercare, such as Z47.1 (Aftercare following joint replacement surgery) or Z48.812 (Aftercare following surgery for fracture), rather than a code from the S150-S159 range.
Can I use a code from the S150-S159 range for a chronic hip or thigh condition?
No, the S150-S159 range is for injuries. Chronic conditions such as arthritis or bursitis have their own specific codes elsewhere in the ICD-10.
What if the patient has multiple injuries to the hip and thigh?
In cases of multiple injuries, each injury should be coded separately. If the injuries are to different parts of the hip or thigh, use the specific code for each injury. If the injuries are to the same part, use the code for the most serious injury.
Do I need to use an external cause code with a S150-S159 code?
If the injury is due to an external cause, such as a fall or an accident, an additional code from Chapter 20 should be used to identify the cause. However, an external cause code is not necessary if the cause is not specified or is not relevant to the current encounter.