ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS22.029

S22.029

Billable

Unspecified fracture of second thoracic vertebra

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/23/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S22.029 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified fracture of second thoracic vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The unspecified fracture of the second thoracic vertebra (T2) is a significant injury that can result from various mechanisms of trauma, including falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports injuries. The thoracic spine is crucial for protecting the spinal cord and supporting the rib cage, and fractures in this area can lead to serious complications. Symptoms may include localized pain, tenderness, and potential neurological deficits depending on the severity of the fracture. Patients may present with associated injuries such as rib fractures, pneumothorax, or hemothorax, which can complicate the clinical picture. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the extent of the fracture and any associated injuries. Treatment may vary from conservative management with pain control and physical therapy to surgical interventions in cases of instability or neurological compromise. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate management and reimbursement, as well as for tracking outcomes in trauma care.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and associated injuries
  • Need for precise documentation of fracture type and location
  • Potential for concurrent rib or lung injuries
  • Differentiation from other thoracic vertebra fractures

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture type and mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document associated injuries such as pneumothorax or hemothorax
  • Lack of clarity in treatment plans and follow-up care
  • Misuse of unspecified codes when more specific codes are available

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports, surgical notes, and follow-up assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from falls, sports injuries, or vehicular accidents.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation specifies the fracture type and any surgical interventions performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive trauma assessments, imaging results, and initial treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute chest pain and trauma history.

Billing Considerations

Document all associated injuries and the mechanism of injury for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S22.029 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines that specify the use of S22
  • 029 for unspecified fractures of the thoracic vertebrae
  • Ensure to document the mechanism of injury and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S22.029 When
  • Exclude codes for specific types of fractures unless they are confirmed

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22551CPT Code

Percutaneous vertebroplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used for stabilization of vertebral fractures.

Documentation Requirements

Pre-operative imaging and surgical notes.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic documentation must specify the fracture type and location.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of thoracic vertebra fractures, 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 thoracic vertebra fractures, 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 significance of coding S22.029?

Coding S22.029 accurately reflects the patient's injury and is crucial for appropriate treatment planning, reimbursement, and tracking outcomes in trauma care.