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 CodesS72.391

S72.391

Billable

Other fracture of shaft of right femur

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S72.391 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other fracture of shaft of right femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The S72.391 code refers to fractures of the shaft of the right femur that do not fall into more specific categories. These fractures can occur due to various mechanisms, including high-energy trauma such as motor vehicle accidents or falls from significant heights, as well as low-energy trauma in osteoporotic patients. The femur, being the longest and strongest bone in the body, can sustain fractures that may lead to significant morbidity. Patients may present with severe pain, inability to bear weight, and deformity of the thigh. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans to confirm the fracture type and assess for any associated injuries. Treatment often requires orthopedic intervention, which may include surgical fixation or intramedullary nailing, particularly in cases of displaced fractures. Rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function and mobility post-injury. Understanding the nuances of this code is essential for accurate billing and ensuring appropriate care pathways are followed.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in fracture types and locations
  • Need for precise documentation of fracture characteristics
  • Differentiation from other femoral fractures
  • Potential for associated injuries requiring additional coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture specifics
  • Failure to capture associated injuries
  • Misclassification of fracture type
  • Inconsistent use of imaging results in documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from trauma, surgical interventions for fracture stabilization, and post-operative care.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging and surgical details 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 trauma, requiring stabilization and referral to orthopedic services.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of mechanism of injury and initial treatment provided is critical.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S72.391 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the fracture is documented as acute or chronic, and specify the laterality
  • Include any associated injuries or complications in the coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S72.391 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 required for fracture stabilization.

Documentation Requirements

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

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 accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S72.391 provides a clear classification for fractures that may not fit into more defined categories.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S72.391 provides a clear classification for fractures that may not fit into more defined categories.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S72.391 provides a clear classification for fractures that may not fit into more defined categories.

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 S72.391 and S72.392?

S72.391 refers to fractures of the shaft of the right femur, while S72.392 pertains to fractures of the shaft of the left femur. Accurate coding requires specifying the laterality of the fracture.