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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM84.612

M84.612

Billable

Pathological fracture in other disease, left shoulder

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M84.612 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pathological fracture in other disease, left shoulder.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A pathological fracture in the left shoulder occurs when a bone breaks due to an underlying disease process rather than from a traumatic injury. This type of fracture is often associated with conditions that affect bone density and metabolism, such as osteoporosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, or metastatic bone disease. In patients with osteoporosis, the bones become porous and brittle, leading to an increased risk of fractures even with minimal or no trauma. The left shoulder, specifically, may be affected by conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or Paget's disease, which can weaken the bone structure. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs to confirm the fracture and assess the underlying bone condition. Treatment may include pain management, physical therapy, and addressing the underlying disease to improve bone health. Understanding the etiology of the fracture is crucial for effective management and prevention of future fractures.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of underlying diseases affecting bone health.
  • Differentiation from traumatic fractures.
  • Documentation of the specific disease causing the fracture.
  • Potential for multiple comorbidities affecting coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying disease.
  • Failure to specify the location of the fracture.
  • Misclassification of the fracture type.
  • Lack of supporting imaging studies.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of fracture type, location, and underlying conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fractures after minimal trauma, history of osteoporosis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure comprehensive documentation of bone density tests and treatments for underlying conditions.

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of metabolic bone diseases and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with osteoporosis or other metabolic bone disorders experiencing fractures.

Billing Considerations

Focus on the management of the underlying disease to prevent future fractures.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M84.612 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M84
  • 612 should be used when a fracture is due to an underlying disease process
  • Coders must ensure that the underlying condition is documented and that the fracture is not due to trauma
  • The code is specific to the left shoulder and should not be used for fractures in other locations

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M84.612 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 for patients with shoulder pain due to a pathological fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the procedure and the patient's history.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure proper coding of the procedure in relation to the diagnosis.

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, improving the ability to capture the complexity of these cases. M84.612 provides a clear distinction between traumatic and pathological fractures, which is essential for accurate treatment and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of pathological fractures, improving the ability to capture the complexity of these cases. M84.612 provides a clear distinction between traumatic and pathological fractures, which is essential for accurate treatment and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 a pathological fracture?

A pathological fracture is a bone fracture that occurs in a bone weakened by disease, such as osteoporosis or cancer, rather than from a direct injury.

How is M84.612 different from traumatic fracture codes?

M84.612 is specifically for fractures due to underlying diseases, while traumatic fracture codes are used for fractures resulting from an external force or injury.