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 CodesChapter 19: Injury, poisoning and other consequences of external causesS52

S52

Non-billable

Fracture of forearm

Chapter 19:Injury, poisoning and other consequences of external causes

BILLABLE STATUSNo
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S52 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of fracture of forearm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 Level 1 Category code S52 pertains to fractures of the forearm, which includes both the radius and ulna bones. This category encompasses various types of fractures such as distal radius fractures, ulnar shaft fractures, and both bone forearm fractures. These injuries can occur due to trauma, falls, or sports-related incidents, and they are significant due to their potential impact on the patient's mobility and functionality. Proper diagnosis and coding are essential for effective treatment planning and management of these fractures, as they can lead to complications such as malunion or nonunion if not treated appropriately.

  • Clinically, fractures of the forearm are often assessed through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays. The treatment may vary from conservative management with splinting and rehabilitation to surgical interventions, depending on the fracture type and severity. Accurate coding under S52 is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure appropriate reimbursement and to track outcomes related to fracture management. Additionally, understanding the nuances of this category aids in the identification of trends in fracture incidence and treatment efficacy within the population.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of fracture types
  • Treatment options vary widely
  • Potential for complications

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture specifics
  • Misclassification of fracture types
  • Failure to capture associated complications

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical impact of the S52 code category is significant, as it directly relates to the management of forearm fractures, which are common injuries in various populations. Accurate coding can influence quality measures, such as complication rates and recovery times, thereby affecting overall patient outcomes. Furthermore, understanding the epidemiology of forearm fractures can help healthcare systems allocate resources effectively and develop preventive strategies.
Administratively, the S52 category plays a crucial role in population health management and healthcare trends. By analyzing data related to forearm fractures, healthcare providers can identify patterns in injury incidence, treatment efficacy, and long-term outcomes. This information can inform clinical guidelines and improve care delivery for patients with forearm fractures, ultimately enhancing the quality of care and patient satisfaction.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical impact of the S52 code category is significant, as it directly relates to the management of forearm fractures, which are common injuries in various populations. Accurate coding can influence quality measures, such as complication rates and recovery times, thereby affecting overall patient outcomes. Furthermore, understanding the epidemiology of forearm fractures can help healthcare systems allocate resources effectively and develop preventive strategies. Administratively, the S52 category plays a crucial role in population health management and healthcare trends. By analyzing data related to forearm fractures, healthcare providers can identify patterns in injury incidence, treatment efficacy, and long-term outcomes. This information can inform clinical guidelines and improve care delivery for patients with forearm fractures, ultimately enhancing the quality of care and patient satisfaction.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the complexity of the fracture and the treatment approach, whether surgical or conservative. Additionally, coding should reflect any associated procedures performed, such as casting or surgical fixation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for S52

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for S52

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions are included in S52?

S52 includes various types of forearm fractures such as distal radius fractures, ulnar shaft fractures, and both bone forearm fractures, as well as specific types like greenstick fractures and Colles' fractures.

When should I use S52 codes?

S52 codes should be used when documenting any fracture of the forearm, ensuring to specify the type and location of the fracture for accurate coding and treatment planning.

What documentation is required for S52?

Documentation should include the type of fracture, mechanism of injury, treatment provided, and any follow-up care plans. Imaging results and clinical assessments are also essential for supporting the diagnosis.