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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS72.109

S72.109

Billable

Unspecified trochanteric fracture of unspecified femur

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S72.109 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified trochanteric fracture of unspecified femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A trochanteric fracture refers to a fracture that occurs in the region of the femur near the greater or lesser trochanter, which are bony prominences located at the proximal end of the femur. These fractures are often associated with falls, particularly in elderly patients, and can lead to significant morbidity due to complications such as immobility, pain, and the risk of further injuries. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific location of the fracture within the trochanteric region has not been documented, which can complicate treatment and rehabilitation strategies. Management typically involves orthopedic intervention, which may include surgical fixation or conservative treatment depending on the patient's overall health, age, and activity level. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the severity of the injury in clinical records.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Lack of specificity in the fracture location
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on patient demographics
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting recovery
  • Documentation requirements for surgical versus non-surgical management

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture specifics
  • Failure to document the mechanism of injury
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment outcomes
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, imaging reports, and follow-up assessments are essential for accurate coding.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with hip pain after a fall, requiring surgical intervention for fracture stabilization.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging studies and surgical details are documented to support the diagnosis.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of the patient's history, physical examination findings, and initial treatment provided in the emergency department.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute hip pain and suspected fractures after trauma.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any imaging performed to support the diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S72.109 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the specific location of the fracture is not documented
  • Include any relevant external cause codes to provide context for the injury

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S72.109 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27125CPT Code

Total hip arthroplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for a trochanteric fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication for surgery.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must ensure that the diagnosis aligns with the surgical procedure performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of fractures, but the use of unspecified codes like S72.109 can lead to challenges in capturing the full clinical picture and may affect reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of fractures, but the use of unspecified codes like S72.109 can lead to challenges in capturing the full clinical picture and may affect reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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

When should I use S72.109 instead of a more specific code?

Use S72.109 when the documentation does not specify the exact location of the trochanteric fracture, and no other specific codes apply.