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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS42.249

S42.249

Billable

4-part fracture of surgical neck of unspecified humerus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S42.249 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of 4-part fracture of surgical neck of unspecified humerus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A 4-part fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus is a complex injury typically resulting from high-energy trauma, such as falls or motor vehicle accidents. This type of fracture involves four distinct fragments of the bone, which can complicate the healing process and may require surgical intervention. The surgical neck is located just below the head of the humerus and is a common site for fractures, particularly in older adults due to osteoporosis. Symptoms often include severe shoulder pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Diagnosis is confirmed through imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, which reveal the fracture pattern. Treatment may involve conservative management with immobilization or surgical options like open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to realign the bone fragments. Rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function and strength to the shoulder joint post-injury.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires detailed documentation of fracture type and location.
  • Involves understanding of surgical interventions and their coding.
  • Potential for multiple associated injuries complicating coding.
  • Need for precise imaging documentation to support diagnosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture specifics.
  • Failure to capture associated injuries or complications.
  • Misalignment of procedure codes with diagnosis.
  • Lack of imaging reports to support fracture type.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and follow-up notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of complex humeral fractures, post-operative care, and rehabilitation.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of surgical procedures and any complications that arise.

Physical Therapy

Documentation Requirements

Progress notes detailing rehabilitation protocols and patient response.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation following surgical repair of humeral fractures.

Billing Considerations

Document functional outcomes and range of motion assessments.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S42.249 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the fracture type, location, and any associated injuries
  • Include imaging results and treatment plans in the medical record

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S42.249 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

23630CPT Code

Open treatment of humeral head fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used in conjunction with S42.249 for surgical repair.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the complexity of the fracture.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the accuracy of claims and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the accuracy of claims and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the accuracy of claims and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation.

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 a 4-part fracture?

A 4-part fracture indicates a more complex injury that may require surgical intervention and has a higher risk of complications compared to simpler fractures.