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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS82.109

S82.109

Billable

Unspecified fracture of upper end of unspecified tibia

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S82.109 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified fracture of upper end of unspecified tibia.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The unspecified fracture of the upper end of the tibia refers to a break in the proximal region of the tibia, which is the larger of the two bones in the lower leg. This type of fracture can occur due to various mechanisms, including falls, sports injuries, or vehicular accidents. The upper end of the tibia is critical as it forms part of the knee joint, and fractures in this area can lead to significant complications, including joint instability, malunion, or nonunion. Symptoms typically include localized pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg. Diagnosis is often confirmed through imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, which can help assess the extent of the fracture and any associated soft tissue injuries, such as ligament tears. Treatment may involve conservative management with immobilization or surgical intervention, depending on the fracture's severity and the patient's overall health. Rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function and strength to the knee joint post-injury.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Lack of specificity regarding the fracture type (e.g., comminuted, displaced)
  • Potential for associated injuries (ligament tears, meniscal injuries)
  • Variability in treatment approaches (surgical vs. conservative)
  • Need for precise documentation to support the diagnosis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the fracture type
  • Failure to document associated injuries
  • Use of unspecified codes when more specific codes are available
  • Inconsistent clinical findings in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the fracture type, location, and any associated injuries must be documented. Surgical notes should include the procedure performed and any implants used.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from sports injuries, falls, or trauma requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all imaging studies and consultations are documented to support the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include the patient's functional status, rehabilitation goals, and progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation post-fracture for strength and mobility restoration.

Billing Considerations

Focus on documenting the patient's response to therapy and any complications that may arise during rehabilitation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S82.109 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, this code should be used when the specific type of fracture is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the medical record supports the use of this unspecified code and consider more specific codes if available

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S82.109 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27506CPT Code

Open treatment of tibial fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for fracture stabilization.

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports must detail the procedure performed and any implants used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that all relevant imaging and pre-operative assessments are documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of fractures, improving specificity and accuracy in billing. However, the use of unspecified codes like S82.109 may lead to increased scrutiny during audits.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of fractures, improving specificity and accuracy in billing. However, the use of unspecified codes like S82.109 may lead to increased scrutiny during audits.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing. However, the use of unspecified codes like S82.109 may lead to increased scrutiny during audits.

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 S82.109 instead of a more specific code?

Use S82.109 when the documentation does not specify the type or side of the fracture. If more specific information is available, opt for the appropriate specific code.