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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS82.00

S82.00

Billable

Unspecified fracture of patella

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/26/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S82.00 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified fracture of patella.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified fracture of the patella, commonly known as the kneecap, can occur due to various mechanisms of injury, including direct trauma, falls, or sports-related incidents. The patella serves as a protective shield for the knee joint and plays a crucial role in the biomechanics of knee extension. Fractures can be classified as either non-displaced or displaced, with the latter often requiring surgical intervention. Symptoms typically include localized pain, swelling, and difficulty in knee movement. Diagnosis is primarily through physical examination and imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans. Treatment options vary based on the fracture type and may include conservative management with immobilization or surgical procedures such as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for displaced fractures. Rehabilitation is essential for restoring function and strength to the knee joint post-injury. Understanding the nuances of patellar fractures is critical for accurate coding and appropriate management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in fracture types (displaced vs. non-displaced)
  • Need for detailed documentation of injury mechanism
  • Potential for associated injuries (ligament tears, meniscus damage)
  • Variations in treatment protocols (surgical vs. conservative)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture type
  • Failure to specify associated injuries
  • Misuse of unspecified codes when specific codes are available
  • Inconsistent treatment documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures due to sports injuries, falls, or vehicular accidents.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the mechanism of injury and any associated ligamentous injuries.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive rehabilitation plans and progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-operative rehabilitation following patellar fracture repair.

Billing Considerations

Document functional limitations and goals for rehabilitation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S82.00 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring to document the specific type of fracture when available
  • Use S82
  • 00 when the fracture type is not specified, but consider the clinical context for accurate coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S82.00 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27400CPT Code

Arthroplasty, knee, total

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases where severe damage to the knee joint occurs, potentially following a patellar fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for surgery.

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 facilitating better treatment planning. S82.00 serves as a catch-all for unspecified fractures, but coders must strive for specificity when possible.

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 facilitating better treatment planning. S82.00 serves as a catch-all for unspecified fractures, but coders must strive for specificity when possible.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning. S82.00 serves as a catch-all for unspecified fractures, but coders must strive for specificity when possible.

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

When should I use S82.00?

Use S82.00 when the fracture of the patella is documented as unspecified and no further details are provided regarding the type of fracture.