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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM84.511

M84.511

Billable

Pathological fracture in neoplastic disease, right shoulder

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M84.511 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pathological fracture in neoplastic disease, right shoulder.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Pathological fractures occur when the structural integrity of the bone is compromised due to underlying disease processes, such as neoplastic conditions. In the case of M84.511, the fracture is specifically located in the right shoulder and is associated with a neoplastic disease, which may include primary bone tumors or metastatic lesions from other cancers. These fractures are often the result of weakened bone density due to the infiltration of cancer cells, which disrupt normal bone metabolism and remodeling. Patients with neoplastic diseases may experience pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected area, and the fractures can occur with minimal or no trauma. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the extent of the fracture and the underlying neoplastic condition. Treatment may include surgical intervention, pain management, and addressing the underlying cancer through chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Understanding the relationship between neoplastic diseases and bone health is crucial for effective management and coding of these complex cases.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of neoplastic diseases and their impact on bone health.
  • Differentiation from other types of fractures (e.g., traumatic fractures).
  • Need for precise documentation of the underlying neoplastic condition.
  • Potential for multiple coding scenarios based on the type of neoplasm.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the neoplastic disease.
  • Failure to specify the location of the fracture accurately.
  • Misclassification of the fracture type (pathological vs. traumatic).
  • Lack of supporting imaging studies in the medical record.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Oncology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of the cancer diagnosis, treatment history, and any imaging studies performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with metastatic breast cancer presenting with shoulder pain and subsequent imaging revealing a pathological fracture.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the primary cancer diagnosis is clearly linked to the fracture for accurate coding.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive notes on the fracture type, location, and any surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

A patient with a known history of lung cancer presenting with a right shoulder fracture after a fall.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any pre-existing conditions that may have contributed to the fracture.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M84.511 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, M84
  • 511 should be used when a pathological fracture is confirmed in a patient with a documented neoplastic disease
  • Coders must ensure that the neoplasm is specified and that the fracture is accurately documented in the medical record

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M84.511 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 a patient with a pathological fracture requires joint aspiration for pain relief.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure and any imaging studies performed.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure that the procedure is linked to the diagnosis of the pathological fracture.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of pathological fractures related to neoplastic diseases, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of pathological fractures related to neoplastic diseases, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 is the difference between a pathological fracture and a traumatic fracture?

A pathological fracture occurs in a bone weakened by disease, such as cancer, while a traumatic fracture results from an external force or injury.