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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS42.155

S42.155

Billable

Nondisplaced fracture of neck of scapula, left shoulder

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/24/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S42.155 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nondisplaced fracture of neck of scapula, left shoulder.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A nondisplaced fracture of the neck of the scapula is characterized by a break in the bone that does not result in the separation of the bone fragments. This type of fracture typically occurs due to trauma, such as a fall or direct impact to the shoulder area. The scapula, or shoulder blade, plays a crucial role in shoulder mobility and stability, and fractures in this area can lead to pain, limited range of motion, and functional impairment. Patients may present with shoulder pain, swelling, and difficulty lifting the arm. Diagnosis is often confirmed through imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, which can help differentiate between nondisplaced and displaced fractures. Treatment usually involves conservative management, including rest, ice, analgesics, and physical therapy, although surgical intervention may be necessary in cases of associated injuries or complications. Understanding the implications of this fracture is essential for effective management and rehabilitation, as it can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between displaced and nondisplaced fractures
  • Understanding associated injuries to the shoulder complex
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on patient age and activity level
  • Need for precise documentation of imaging findings

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify laterality (left shoulder)
  • Misclassification of fracture type (nondisplaced vs. displaced)
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from falls, sports injuries, or motor vehicle accidents.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly indicate the type of fracture and any associated injuries to ensure proper coding.

Physical Therapy

Documentation Requirements

Progress notes detailing the patient's functional status and response to therapy.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation following shoulder fractures or surgeries.

Billing Considerations

Therapy notes should include specific goals and outcomes related to the fracture recovery.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S42.155 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding fractures, ensuring to document the type of fracture, laterality, and any associated injuries
  • Nondisplaced fractures should be coded distinctly from displaced fractures

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S42.155 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

23470CPT Code

Arthroscopic shoulder repair

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for associated rotator cuff injuries.

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the necessity of surgery based on the fracture and associated injuries.

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 facilitating better treatment planning.

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 facilitating better treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning.

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 difference between a displaced and nondisplaced fracture?

A displaced fracture involves a separation of the bone fragments, while a nondisplaced fracture means the bone remains aligned despite the fracture.