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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS82.009

S82.009

Billable

Unspecified fracture of unspecified patella

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S82.009 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified fracture of unspecified patella.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified fracture of the patella, commonly known as the kneecap, can occur due to various mechanisms of injury, including falls, direct trauma, or sports-related incidents. The patella serves as a protective bone for the knee joint and plays a crucial role in knee extension by providing leverage to the quadriceps muscle. Fractures of the patella can be classified into different types, such as transverse, vertical, or comminuted fractures, but when unspecified, it indicates that the exact nature of the fracture has not been determined. Symptoms typically include localized pain, swelling, and difficulty in knee movement. Diagnosis is often confirmed through imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI. Treatment may vary from conservative management, including rest and immobilization, to surgical intervention, depending on the fracture's severity and displacement. Understanding the implications of an unspecified fracture is essential for appropriate management and rehabilitation, as it can significantly impact the patient's mobility and quality of life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Lack of specificity in fracture type and location
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on fracture characteristics
  • Potential for misclassification with other knee injuries
  • Need for comprehensive documentation to support coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to specify the fracture type or location
  • Inconsistent clinical notes regarding treatment plans
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on patient outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging results, and follow-up notes are essential for accurate coding.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from sports injuries, falls, or vehicular accidents.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant details about the fracture type and treatment plan are documented to avoid ambiguity.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessments of functional limitations and rehabilitation progress.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation post-fracture for mobility restoration.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the impact of the fracture on daily activities and rehabilitation goals is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S82.009 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, unspecified codes should be used only when the specific diagnosis is not available
  • Coders should ensure that all documentation supports the use of this code and consider the patient's clinical history and treatment plan

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S82.009 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27447CPT Code

Arthroscopy, knee, surgical

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for patellar fractures.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should 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 detailed coding, but the use of unspecified codes like S82.009 may lead to challenges in capturing the full clinical picture, potentially impacting reimbursement and care quality.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding, but the use of unspecified codes like S82.009 may lead to challenges in capturing the full clinical picture, potentially impacting reimbursement and care quality.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and care quality.

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 S82.009 instead of a more specific code?

Use S82.009 when the specific type or location of the patellar fracture is not documented or known. However, always strive for the most specific code available to ensure accurate representation of the patient's condition.