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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS72.102

S72.102

Billable

Unspecified trochanteric fracture of left femur

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S72.102 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified trochanteric fracture of left femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A trochanteric fracture of the femur refers to a break in the upper part of the femur, specifically around the greater or lesser trochanter. These fractures are often associated with falls, particularly in the elderly population, and can lead to significant morbidity. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific type of trochanteric fracture has not been documented, which can complicate treatment and recovery. Trochanteric fractures are categorized as hip fractures and are critical orthopedic injuries that may require surgical intervention, such as internal fixation or hip replacement, depending on the fracture's stability and the patient's overall health. The left femur designation is crucial for accurate coding and treatment planning. Proper documentation should include the mechanism of injury, patient history, and any associated injuries, as these factors can influence treatment options and outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified nature of the fracture complicates treatment planning.
  • Variability in surgical intervention based on fracture type.
  • Need for detailed documentation to support the diagnosis.
  • Potential for associated injuries that may require additional coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Lack of specificity in documentation.
  • Inadequate description of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to document associated injuries.
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and patient history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of trochanteric fractures, management of complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of fracture type and surgical approach.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment notes, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of hip fractures, stabilization of patients.

Billing Considerations

Document mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S72.102 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding fractures, including the need for specificity in documentation
  • Ensure that the left femur designation is clearly noted in the medical record

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S72.102 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27125CPT Code

Total hip arthroplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients with severe trochanteric fractures requiring joint replacement.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the reason for choosing arthroplasty over fixation.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding fractures, which can improve patient care and billing accuracy. However, the unspecified nature of S72.102 may lead to challenges in treatment planning and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding fractures, which can improve patient care and billing accuracy. However, the unspecified nature of S72.102 may lead to challenges in treatment planning and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing accuracy. However, the unspecified nature of S72.102 may lead to challenges in treatment planning and reimbursement.

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 using the unspecified code S72.102?

Using the unspecified code indicates that the specific type of trochanteric fracture has not been documented, which can complicate treatment and recovery. It is essential to strive for more specific coding when possible to ensure accurate treatment planning.