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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS22.028

S22.028

Billable

Other fracture of second thoracic vertebra

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/23/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S22.028 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other fracture of second thoracic vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The S22.028 code refers to fractures of the second thoracic vertebra (T2) that do not fall into the more common categories of fractures, such as those that are classified as stable or unstable. These fractures can occur due to various mechanisms of injury, including high-energy trauma such as motor vehicle accidents, falls from heights, or sports injuries. Patients may present with symptoms such as localized back pain, neurological deficits, or signs of spinal cord injury. The management of T2 fractures often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including pain management, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention to stabilize the spine and prevent further injury. Complications can include pneumothorax, hemothorax, or cardiac injuries, particularly in cases of significant chest trauma. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in fracture types and associated injuries
  • Need for detailed documentation of mechanism of injury
  • Potential for co-existing conditions (e.g., pneumothorax, hemothorax)
  • Differentiation from other thoracic vertebra fractures

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document associated injuries (e.g., pneumothorax)
  • Incorrect coding of fracture type or location
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from falls or high-impact trauma requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of fracture type and any associated injuries.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of initial assessment, imaging results, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chest trauma and potential spinal injuries.

Billing Considerations

Document all findings related to chest injuries and neurological assessments.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S22.028 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the fracture is confirmed and documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S22.028 When
  • Exclude codes for fractures that are classified as stable or those that have specific codes

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22551CPT Code

Percutaneous vertebroplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used for stabilization of vertebral fractures.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the necessity for vertebroplasty.

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. S22.028 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9.

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. S22.028 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S22.028 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9.

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 are the common causes of a fracture of the second thoracic vertebra?

Common causes include high-energy trauma such as motor vehicle accidents, falls from heights, and sports injuries. These fractures can also occur in patients with underlying conditions that weaken bone, such as osteoporosis.