ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS72.321

S72.321

Billable

Displaced transverse fracture of shaft of right femur

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S72.321 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of displaced transverse fracture of shaft of right femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A displaced transverse fracture of the shaft of the right femur is a significant orthopedic injury characterized by a complete break across the femoral shaft, resulting in the bone fragments being misaligned. This type of fracture typically occurs due to high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or falls from a height. The displacement of the fracture can lead to complications such as vascular or nerve injury, and it often requires surgical intervention to realign the bone fragments and stabilize the fracture. Treatment options may include intramedullary nailing, plating, or external fixation, depending on the fracture's characteristics and the patient's overall health. Post-operative care is crucial for recovery, involving physical therapy and monitoring for potential complications such as infection or non-union of the fracture. Accurate coding of this condition is essential for appropriate reimbursement and tracking of orthopedic trauma cases.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires precise documentation of fracture type and location.
  • Differentiation between displaced and non-displaced fractures.
  • Potential for associated injuries that may complicate coding.
  • Need for understanding of surgical procedures related to fracture repair.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture displacement.
  • Failure to specify laterality (right vs. left).
  • Misclassification of fracture type (transverse vs. oblique).
  • Lack of supporting documentation for surgical procedures performed.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, imaging reports, and follow-up assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from trauma, sports injuries, or falls in elderly patients.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate description of fracture characteristics and any associated injuries.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Initial assessment notes, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute limb injuries after trauma.

Billing Considerations

Document mechanism of injury and initial management steps taken.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S72.321 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding fractures, including the need to specify laterality and the type of fracture
  • Ensure compliance with guidelines regarding the use of additional codes for associated injuries or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S72.321 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27506CPT Code

Open treatment of femoral shaft fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is performed to repair the fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the specifics of the fracture and the surgical approach.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the granularity of data for tracking and treatment outcomes. S72.321 provides a clear distinction between fracture types, which aids in clinical decision-making and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the granularity of data for tracking and treatment outcomes. S72.321 provides a clear distinction between fracture types, which aids in clinical decision-making 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 a displaced and non-displaced fracture?

A displaced fracture means that the bone fragments are not aligned, while a non-displaced fracture means the bone remains in its normal position despite the break.