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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS72.21

S72.21

Billable

Displaced subtrochanteric fracture of right femur

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S72.21 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of displaced subtrochanteric fracture of right femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A displaced subtrochanteric fracture of the right femur is a specific type of hip fracture that occurs just below the lesser trochanter of the femur. This injury is often the result of high-energy trauma, such as falls or motor vehicle accidents, particularly in older adults with osteoporosis. The displacement refers to the misalignment of the fracture fragments, which can complicate healing and may require surgical intervention. Symptoms typically include severe pain in the hip or groin area, inability to bear weight on the affected leg, and visible deformity. Diagnosis is confirmed through imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, which reveal the fracture's location and displacement. Treatment often involves orthopedic surgery to realign the bone fragments, stabilize the fracture with internal fixation devices, and initiate rehabilitation to restore function. The management of subtrochanteric fractures is critical due to the potential for complications, including nonunion, malunion, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires precise documentation of fracture type and location.
  • Differentiation from other types of femoral fractures.
  • Potential for surgical intervention complicates coding.
  • Need for accurate assessment of displacement and alignment.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture specifics.
  • Failure to capture surgical interventions.
  • Misclassification of fracture type.
  • Inconsistent use of modifiers for surgical procedures.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and post-operative notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of displaced subtrochanteric fractures, management of complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the complexity of the fracture and any surgical techniques used.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Accurate initial assessment notes, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of trauma patients with suspected hip fractures.

Billing Considerations

Document mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S72.21 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the fracture's specifics, including laterality and displacement
  • Include any relevant surgical codes if applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S72.21 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27447CPT Code

Open treatment of femoral fracture, subtrochanteric

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is performed for a displaced subtrochanteric fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the surgical approach and fixation method.

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 laterality and displacement, 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 laterality and displacement, 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 difference between S72.21 and S72.20?

S72.21 refers to a displaced subtrochanteric fracture, while S72.20 refers to a non-displaced subtrochanteric fracture. Accurate documentation of displacement is crucial for correct coding.