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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS72.323

S72.323

Billable

Displaced transverse fracture of shaft of unspecified femur

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S72.323 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of displaced transverse fracture of shaft of unspecified femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A displaced transverse fracture of the shaft of the femur is a significant orthopedic injury characterized by a break in the femur that occurs across the bone's width, resulting in two or more fragments that are misaligned. This type of fracture typically results from high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or falls from significant heights, and is more common in younger individuals. The displacement of the fracture fragments can lead to complications such as malunion or nonunion if not properly managed. Treatment often involves surgical intervention, including internal fixation with plates or intramedullary nails, to realign the bone and stabilize the fracture. Post-operative rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function and strength to the affected limb. Given the femur's role in weight-bearing and mobility, timely and effective treatment is essential to prevent long-term disability.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in fracture patterns and displacement
  • Need for precise documentation of fracture type and location
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., soft tissue damage)
  • Variations in treatment approaches (surgical vs. non-surgical)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture type and displacement
  • Failure to document associated injuries
  • Incorrect coding of the femur's location
  • Lack of clarity on treatment provided

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and post-operative notes are essential for accurate coding.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging and surgical interventions are documented to support the coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of initial assessment, imaging results, and any immediate interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute limb pain and deformity following trauma.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of mechanism of injury and initial treatment is critical for coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S72.323 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the fracture is documented as displaced and specifying the location as the shaft of the femur
  • displaced fractures or fractures of other femur parts

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S72.323 When
  • Exclude codes for non

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27506CPT Code

Open treatment of femoral shaft fracture

Clinical Scenario

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

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure, fixation method, and post-operative care.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must ensure that all surgical details are documented for accurate coding.

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 accuracy of patient records and treatment plans. S72.323 provides a clear distinction for displaced transverse fractures, which aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans. S72.323 provides a clear distinction for displaced transverse fractures, which aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans. S72.323 provides a clear distinction for displaced transverse fractures, which aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

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.