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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS72.0

S72.0

Billable

Fracture of head and neck of femur

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/25/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S72.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of fracture of head and neck of femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The fracture of the head and neck of the femur is a common injury, particularly in older adults, often resulting from low-energy falls. This type of fracture can lead to significant morbidity due to complications such as avascular necrosis, nonunion, and the need for surgical intervention. The head of the femur is the rounded top part of the thigh bone that fits into the hip socket, while the neck is the narrow area just below the head. Fractures in this region can be classified into intracapsular and extracapsular types, with intracapsular fractures being more prone to complications due to the disruption of blood supply. Symptoms typically include severe hip pain, inability to bear weight, and leg positioning that may appear externally rotated. Treatment often involves surgical options such as internal fixation or hip replacement, depending on the patient's age, activity level, and overall health. Rehabilitation is crucial for recovery, focusing on restoring mobility and strength.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in fracture types (intracapsular vs. extracapsular)
  • Need for detailed documentation of surgical procedures
  • Potential for complications requiring additional coding
  • Variations in treatment approaches based on patient demographics

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture type and location
  • Failure to document surgical interventions performed
  • Misclassification of fracture severity
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on complications

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and pre-operative assessments are essential for accurate coding.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of femoral neck fractures, management of complications such as nonunion or avascular necrosis.

Billing Considerations

Coders must ensure that all surgical procedures are documented and linked to the appropriate diagnosis.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of initial assessment, imaging results, and treatment provided in the emergency setting.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and stabilization of patients with hip fractures following trauma.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of the mechanism of injury and any associated injuries is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S72.0 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the fracture type is accurately documented
  • Include any relevant external cause codes if applicable
  • Ensure that the code reflects the specific location and nature of the fracture

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S72.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27130CPT Code

Total hip arthroplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients with severe femoral neck fractures requiring joint replacement.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure, indications, and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the patient's pre-operative condition and post-operative care.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of femoral fractures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S72.0 provides a clearer picture of the patient's condition and treatment needs.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of femoral fractures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S72.0 provides a clearer picture of the patient's condition and treatment needs.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S72.0 provides a clearer picture of the patient's condition and treatment needs.

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 S72.0 and S72.1?

S72.0 refers specifically to fractures of the head and neck of the femur, while S72.1 is used for fractures of the neck of the femur that may not involve the head.