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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS72.121

S72.121

Billable

Displaced fracture of lesser trochanter of right femur

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S72.121 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of displaced fracture of lesser trochanter of right femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A displaced fracture of the lesser trochanter of the right femur is a specific type of hip fracture that occurs at the site where the iliopsoas muscle attaches to the femur. This injury is often the result of high-energy trauma, such as falls or motor vehicle accidents, particularly in older adults or athletes. The lesser trochanter is a small, bony prominence located on the femur, and fractures here can lead to significant pain, limited mobility, and complications if not treated appropriately. Displacement refers to the fracture fragments being separated, which can complicate healing and may require surgical intervention. Treatment typically involves stabilization through orthopedic surgery, which may include internal fixation methods such as screws or plates. Rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function and strength in the hip region post-injury. Accurate coding of this fracture is essential for proper treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Specificity of the fracture location (lesser trochanter)
  • Need for accurate documentation of displacement
  • Potential for surgical intervention and associated codes
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on patient age and activity level

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the fracture type and displacement
  • Failure to document the mechanism of injury
  • Lack of clarity on treatment plans and follow-up care
  • Misclassification of the fracture site

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

Fractures resulting from falls in elderly patients, sports injuries in younger patients, and post-operative complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all surgical interventions and follow-up care are documented to support the coding of the fracture.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute hip pain after trauma, requiring immediate imaging and stabilization.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S72.121 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for fractures, ensuring accurate documentation of the fracture type, location, and any associated injuries
  • Include details about the displacement and treatment plan

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S72.121 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27236CPT Code

Open treatment of femoral neck fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used in conjunction with S72.121 when surgical intervention is required.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure performed and any implants used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must ensure that all surgical details are accurately captured.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, including the ability to denote displacement and specific anatomical locations, which enhances the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, including the ability to denote displacement and specific anatomical locations, which enhances the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 coding S72.121 accurately?

Accurate coding of S72.121 is crucial for appropriate treatment planning, reimbursement, and tracking of patient outcomes. It ensures that healthcare providers are compensated for the complexity of care required for displaced fractures.