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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS22.079

S22.079

Billable

Unspecified fracture of T9-T10 vertebra

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S22.079 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified fracture of t9-t10 vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The S22.079 code refers to an unspecified fracture of the T9 and T10 vertebrae, which are located in the thoracic region of the spine. This type of fracture can occur due to various mechanisms of injury, including trauma from falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports injuries. The thoracic vertebrae are critical for providing structural support to the upper body and protecting the spinal cord. Fractures in this area can lead to significant complications, including chest trauma, rib fractures, pneumothorax, hemothorax, and potential cardiac injuries. Patients may present with symptoms such as back pain, difficulty breathing, and neurological deficits depending on the severity of the injury. Management may involve conservative treatment, such as bracing and pain management, or surgical interventions, including vertebroplasty or spinal fusion, depending on the fracture's stability and associated injuries. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment reimbursement and tracking of patient outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

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

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document associated injuries (e.g., pneumothorax)
  • Misclassification of fracture type or location
  • Inconsistent coding of surgical interventions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports, surgical notes, and follow-up assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of fracture type and any surgical interventions performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Initial assessment notes, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute back pain after trauma.

Billing Considerations

Document all associated injuries and the mechanism of injury clearly.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S22.079 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the fracture is documented as unspecified and that any associated injuries are coded appropriately
  • Include details about the mechanism of injury and any surgical interventions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S22.079 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22551CPT Code

Vertebroplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used for stabilization of vertebral fractures.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic documentation must include pre-operative imaging and post-operative follow-up.

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 reimbursement processes. S22.079 provides a clear designation for unspecified fractures, which can help in tracking treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

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 reimbursement processes. S22.079 provides a clear designation for unspecified fractures, which can help in tracking treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S22.079 provides a clear designation for unspecified fractures, which can help in tracking treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

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 significance of coding S22.079 accurately?

Accurate coding of S22.079 is crucial for proper reimbursement, tracking patient outcomes, and ensuring that all associated injuries are documented for comprehensive patient care.