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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM84.339

M84.339

Billable

Stress fracture, unspecified ulna and radius

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/17/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M84.339 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of stress fracture, unspecified ulna and radius.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A stress fracture of the ulna and radius is a small crack in the bone that occurs due to repetitive force or overuse, rather than a single traumatic event. This condition is often associated with activities that involve repetitive motions, such as throwing or weight-bearing exercises. Stress fractures can occur in individuals with low bone density or osteoporosis, conditions that weaken bones and make them more susceptible to fractures. The ulna and radius are the two long bones in the forearm, and stress fractures in these bones can lead to pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical evaluation, including a physical examination and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to confirm the presence of a fracture. Treatment usually involves rest, immobilization, and possibly physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve bone density. It is crucial for healthcare providers to assess the patient's overall bone health, particularly in those with risk factors for osteoporosis, to prevent future fractures.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for imaging studies to confirm diagnosis
  • Differentiation from other types of fractures
  • Consideration of underlying bone density disorders

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document bone density assessments
  • Lack of follow-up care notes
  • Misclassification of fracture type

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the patient's history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with forearm pain after repetitive activities, athletes with overuse injuries, and individuals with osteoporosis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the chronic nature of the injury and any underlying conditions affecting bone health.

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Assessment of bone density, history of osteoporosis, and management of metabolic bone diseases.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with osteoporosis presenting with stress fractures, evaluation of bone metabolism disorders.

Billing Considerations

Document any treatments for osteoporosis and their impact on fracture risk.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M84.339 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for fractures, ensuring accurate documentation of the location and type of fracture
  • Include any relevant history of osteoporosis or other bone density disorders

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M84.339 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into a major joint or bursa

Clinical Scenario

Used when joint aspiration is needed due to swelling from a stress fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for aspiration and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists may frequently perform this procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stress fractures, improving the ability to track and manage these injuries. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in understanding the prevalence of stress fractures in various populations, particularly those with osteoporosis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stress fractures, improving the ability to track and manage these injuries. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in understanding the prevalence of stress fractures in various populations, particularly those with osteoporosis.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stress fractures, improving the ability to track and manage these injuries. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in understanding the prevalence of stress fractures in various populations, particularly those with osteoporosis.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of stress fractures in the ulna and radius?

Common causes include repetitive activities such as throwing, weightlifting, or any sport that involves repetitive use of the arms. Additionally, conditions like osteoporosis can increase the risk of developing stress fractures.