Injuries to the knee and lower leg
ICD-10 Codes (0)
No codes found matching your search
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 S160-S169 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 S160-S169 pertains to injuries to the knee and lower leg. These codes are used to document various types of injuries, including fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, contusions, crushing injuries, open wounds, and complications of injuries. The codes provide detailed information about the location and nature of the injury, making them essential for accurate medical documentation and billing.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always use a more specific code if available.
- •Use additional code to identify any associated open wound.
- •Use additional code to identify any retained foreign body.
- •For aftercare of injury, use a follow-up code.
- •For complications of injuries, use the appropriate complication code.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When documenting a new injury to the knee or lower leg.
- ✓When documenting a follow-up visit for an existing injury.
- ✓When documenting complications of an injury.
- ✓When documenting a patient's medical history of injuries to the knee or lower leg.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the injury is not to the knee or lower leg.
- ✗When the injury is an open wound without damage to the underlying structures.
- ✗When the injury is a superficial injury without damage to the underlying structures.
- ✗When the injury is a burn.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the latest version of the ICD-10-CM.
Documentation Requirements
Accurate documentation is crucial for coding injuries to the knee and lower leg. The documentation should provide detailed information about the injury, including its cause, location, and nature.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific location of the injury.
- •Nature of the injury (fracture, dislocation, sprain, etc.).
- •Cause of the injury.
- •Any associated complications.
- •Any associated open wounds.
Supporting Evidence:
- •Medical history.
- •Physical examination findings.
- •Imaging studies.
- •Operative reports.
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presented with a comminuted fracture of the right tibia due to a fall from a ladder.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient fell and broke leg.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the location of the injury.
- ⚠Not specifying the nature of the injury.
- ⚠Not documenting the cause of the injury.
- ⚠Not documenting associated complications.
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding injuries to the knee and lower leg can be moderately complex due to the need to specify the location and nature of the injury, document any associated complications, and use additional codes as appropriate. However, with careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the ICD-10-CM, these codes can be used effectively.
Key Factors:
- ▸The need to specify the location and nature of the injury.
- ▸The need to document any associated complications.
- ▸The need to use additional codes for associated open wounds and retained foreign bodies.
- ▸The need to use follow-up and complication codes as appropriate.
Specialty Focus
These codes are most commonly used by orthopedic surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, and primary care providers.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents to the emergency department with a compound fracture of the tibia due to a motor vehicle accident.
- • A patient presents to the orthopedic clinic for follow-up after surgery for a dislocated knee.
- • A patient presents to the primary care clinic with a sprained ankle from a sports injury.
- • A patient presents to the emergency department with a crush injury to the lower leg from a workplace accident.
- • A patient presents to the orthopedic clinic with complications from a previous fracture of the fibula.
Resources & References
There are many resources available to help with coding injuries to the knee and lower leg.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ICD-10 Coding Guide
- American College of Emergency Physicians ICD-10 Coding Guide
Clinical References:
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
- Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics
Educational Materials:
- American Health Information Management Association ICD-10 Training
- American Academy of Professional Coders ICD-10 Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a code from the S160-S169 range for an open wound without damage to the underlying structures?
No, for an open wound without damage to the underlying structures, use a code from the S01-S09 range instead.