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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS42.15

S42.15

Billable

Fracture of neck of scapula

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/24/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S42.15 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of fracture of neck of scapula.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A fracture of the neck of the scapula is a specific type of injury that occurs at the narrow region just below the glenoid cavity, which is the socket of the shoulder joint. This injury is often the result of high-impact trauma, such as falls or motor vehicle accidents, and can be associated with other shoulder injuries, including dislocations and fractures of the humerus. Patients may present with shoulder pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Diagnosis typically involves physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, to confirm the fracture and assess for any associated injuries. Treatment may vary from conservative management, including rest and physical therapy, to surgical intervention, particularly in cases of displaced fractures or when there is involvement of the rotator cuff. Surgical options may include fixation with plates or screws, and rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function and strength to the shoulder. Understanding the complexities of this injury is essential for accurate coding and appropriate management.

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 shoulder injuries complicating coding
  • Variations in treatment approaches impacting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the type of fracture (e.g., displaced vs. non-displaced)
  • Lack of imaging reports to support the diagnosis
  • Inconsistent coding of associated shoulder injuries

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and pre/post-operative assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from falls, sports injuries, or trauma requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly indicate the type of fracture and any surgical repairs performed.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluations, treatment plans, and progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation following surgical repair of scapular fractures.

Billing Considerations

Focus on functional outcomes and rehabilitation goals must be documented.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S42.15 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S42
  • 15 should be used when there is a confirmed fracture of the neck of the scapula
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S42.15 When
  • Exclusion criteria include fractures that are not specifically of the neck of the scapula

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

23470CPT Code

Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases where surgical intervention is required for scapular fractures.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the specifics of the fracture and any repairs performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of shoulder injuries, including fractures of the scapula. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of shoulder injuries, including fractures of the scapula. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

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 imaging is required to confirm a fracture of the neck of the scapula?

X-rays are typically the first step, but CT scans may be necessary for a detailed assessment of the fracture and any associated injuries.