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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS52.121

S52.121

Billable

Displaced fracture of head of right radius

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S52.121 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of displaced fracture of head of right radius.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A displaced fracture of the head of the right radius typically occurs due to trauma, such as a fall onto an outstretched hand or direct impact to the elbow. This injury is characterized by the misalignment of the bone fragments at the fracture site, which can lead to complications such as limited range of motion, pain, and potential nerve or vascular injury. The head of the radius is crucial for the stability and function of the elbow joint, and its fracture can significantly impair the patient's ability to perform daily activities. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, which reveal the extent of the displacement and any associated injuries. Treatment often involves orthopedic intervention, which may include closed reduction and immobilization or surgical fixation, depending on the severity of the fracture and the patient's overall health. Complications such as compartment syndrome may arise if swelling occurs, necessitating prompt recognition and intervention to prevent long-term damage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for precise documentation of fracture type and location
  • Differentiation between displaced and non-displaced fractures
  • Potential for associated injuries to the elbow or forearm
  • Variability in treatment approaches (surgical vs. non-surgical)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture details
  • Failure to specify laterality (right vs. left)
  • Misclassification of fracture type (displaced vs. non-displaced)
  • Lack of imaging reports to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fracture repair, management of complications like compartment syndrome, and post-operative care.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of the surgical approach and fixation method used.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of trauma patients, stabilization of fractures, and referral to orthopedic specialists.

Billing Considerations

Document mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S52.121 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the fracture's location, type, and laterality
  • Include any associated injuries or complications in the coding process

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S52.121 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

24500CPT Code

Open treatment of radial head fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for a displaced fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and any fixation methods used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that all surgical details are documented for accurate coding.

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 data collection and reimbursement processes. S52.121 provides a clear distinction for displaced fractures, which is critical for treatment planning and outcome tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S52.121 provides a clear distinction for displaced fractures, which is critical for treatment planning and outcome tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S52.121 provides a clear distinction for displaced fractures, which is critical for treatment planning and outcome tracking.

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 difference between a displaced and non-displaced fracture?

A displaced fracture involves a complete break in the bone where the ends are not aligned, while a non-displaced fracture means the bone cracks but maintains its proper alignment.