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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS32.01

S32.01

Billable

Fracture of first lumbar vertebra

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S32.01 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of fracture of first lumbar vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The fracture of the first lumbar vertebra (L1) is a significant injury often resulting from high-energy trauma such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports injuries. This type of fracture can lead to severe pain, neurological deficits, and instability of the spine. Clinically, patients may present with localized back pain, tenderness over the lumbar region, and potential neurological symptoms if there is spinal cord involvement. Imaging studies, particularly X-rays and MRI, are essential for diagnosis, allowing for the assessment of fracture displacement and any associated soft tissue injuries. Treatment may vary from conservative management, including pain control and physical therapy, to surgical interventions such as decompression and stabilization, depending on the fracture's severity and associated complications. Given the proximity of the lumbar spine to the abdominal and pelvic organs, careful evaluation for concurrent injuries is crucial, particularly in trauma cases.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in fracture types (compression, burst, etc.)
  • Potential for associated neurological injuries
  • Need for imaging documentation
  • Variability in treatment approaches (surgical vs. conservative)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture type
  • Failure to document associated injuries
  • Misclassification of fracture severity
  • Lack of imaging reports in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for unstable fractures, conservative management for stable fractures.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of fracture type and any neurological assessments.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough trauma assessments, imaging results, and initial treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of trauma patients with suspected lumbar spine injuries.

Billing Considerations

Document mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S32.01 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the fracture type, associated injuries, and treatment plans
  • Include any relevant external cause codes if applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S32.01 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22551CPT Code

Percutaneous vertebroplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used for stabilization of L1 fracture in patients with osteoporosis.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the necessity for surgical intervention.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lumbar spine fractures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lumbar spine fractures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 imaging is required to confirm an L1 fracture?

CT scans or MRI are typically required to confirm the diagnosis and assess for any associated injuries.