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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS42.2

S42.2

Billable

Fracture of upper end of humerus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S42.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of fracture of upper end of humerus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A fracture of the upper end of the humerus typically occurs in the proximal region of the bone, which includes the head, neck, and greater and lesser tuberosities. This type of fracture is commonly associated with shoulder dislocations and can occur due to falls, direct trauma, or sports injuries. Patients may present with severe shoulder pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. The fracture can be classified as non-displaced or displaced, with the latter often requiring surgical intervention. Complications may include rotator cuff injuries, which can further complicate recovery and rehabilitation. Treatment options vary from conservative management with immobilization and physical therapy to surgical repairs, such as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or shoulder arthroplasty, depending on the severity and displacement of the fracture. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the injury and treatment provided.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of fractures (displaced vs. non-displaced)
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., rotator cuff tears)
  • Variability in treatment approaches (surgical vs. conservative)
  • Documentation requirements for surgical procedures

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture type and displacement
  • Failure to document associated injuries like rotator cuff tears
  • Incorrect coding of surgical procedures performed
  • Lack of clarity in the treatment plan

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the complexity of the fracture and any associated injuries.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluations, treatment plans, and progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation following surgical repair of humeral fractures.

Billing Considerations

Document functional limitations and progress towards rehabilitation goals.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S42.2 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for fractures, including the need for specificity in documentation regarding the type of fracture and any associated injuries
  • Include details on treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S42.2 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

23470CPT Code

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Clinical Scenario

Used when a rotator cuff injury is present alongside a humeral fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the necessity of the procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding fractures, improving the accuracy of claims and enhancing patient care through better data collection.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding fractures, improving the accuracy of claims and enhancing patient care through better data collection.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding fractures, improving the accuracy of claims and enhancing patient care through better data collection.

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 a fracture of the upper end of the humerus?

Common causes include falls, direct trauma, and sports injuries, particularly in older adults and athletes.

How is a fracture of the upper end of the humerus treated?

Treatment may involve conservative management with immobilization or surgical intervention, depending on the fracture type and displacement.