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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS52.001

S52.001

Billable

Unspecified fracture of upper end of right ulna

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S52.001 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified fracture of upper end of right ulna.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified fracture of the upper end of the right ulna typically occurs due to trauma, such as a fall or direct impact. This injury can affect the elbow joint and may lead to complications such as instability, limited range of motion, or chronic pain. The ulna is one of the two long bones in the forearm, and its upper end articulates with the humerus at the elbow joint. Fractures in this area can be classified based on their location, type, and severity, but when unspecified, it indicates that the exact nature of the fracture has not been determined. Treatment often involves immobilization, pain management, and in some cases, surgical intervention to ensure proper alignment and healing. Complications such as compartment syndrome may arise if swelling occurs, leading to increased pressure within the muscle compartments of the forearm, which can compromise blood flow and nerve function. Therefore, timely diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to prevent long-term disability.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in fracture types and locations
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., ligament damage)
  • Need for precise documentation of fracture characteristics
  • Differentiation from other upper extremity fractures

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture specifics
  • Failure to note associated injuries
  • Misclassification of fracture type
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on fracture type, treatment plan, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from falls, sports injuries, or accidents.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clarity on whether the fracture is stable or unstable, and document any surgical interventions performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Initial assessment notes, imaging results, and treatment provided in the emergency setting.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute pain and swelling after trauma.

Billing Considerations

Document mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions to prevent complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S52.001 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the fracture's specifics
  • Include details on the mechanism of injury, treatment provided, and any complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S52.001 When
  • Exclude codes for specific fractures or conditions that do not match the clinical scenario

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

24500CPT Code

Open treatment of fracture of the ulna

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for fracture stabilization.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure performed and any implants used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the specifics of the fracture and the rationale for surgical intervention.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding, but the use of unspecified codes like S52.001 may lead to challenges in capturing the full clinical picture. Coders must ensure that documentation supports the use of unspecified codes to avoid denials.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding, but the use of unspecified codes like S52.001 may lead to challenges in capturing the full clinical picture. Coders must ensure that documentation supports the use of unspecified codes to avoid denials.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding, but the use of unspecified codes like S52.001 may lead to challenges in capturing the full clinical picture. Coders must ensure that documentation supports the use of unspecified codes to avoid denials.

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 should I document to support the use of S52.001?

Document the mechanism of injury, specific symptoms, imaging results, and any treatment provided. Ensure that follow-up assessments are also recorded to provide a complete clinical picture.