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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS42.202

S42.202

Billable

Unspecified fracture of upper end of left humerus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S42.202 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified fracture of upper end of left humerus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified fracture of the upper end of the left humerus typically refers to a break in the proximal region of the humerus, which is the bone of the upper arm that connects the shoulder to the elbow. This type of fracture can occur due to various mechanisms, including falls, direct trauma, or sports injuries. Patients may present with pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the shoulder. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, which help to visualize the fracture and assess for any associated injuries, such as dislocations or rotator cuff tears. Treatment often involves conservative management with immobilization, physical therapy, and pain management, but surgical intervention may be necessary in cases of displaced fractures or when there is significant joint involvement. Understanding the specific nature of the fracture is crucial for appropriate management and coding, as it can impact treatment decisions and outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in fracture types and associated injuries
  • Need for precise documentation of fracture details
  • Potential for concurrent shoulder injuries (e.g., dislocations, rotator cuff tears)
  • Differentiation from other humeral fractures

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture specifics
  • Failure to document associated injuries
  • Misclassification of fracture type
  • Inconsistent coding across providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on fracture type, treatment plan, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation specifies the nature of the fracture and any surgical procedures performed.

Physical Therapy

Documentation Requirements

Progress notes detailing rehabilitation goals, treatment modalities, and patient response.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation following surgical repair of humeral fractures or conservative management.

Billing Considerations

Document functional limitations and progress towards recovery to support coding for therapy services.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S42.202 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code accurately reflects the clinical documentation
  • Include any relevant details about the fracture's location, type, and associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S42.202 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

23470CPT Code

Arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff

Clinical Scenario

Used when a rotator cuff injury is present alongside the humeral fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Document the nature of the rotator cuff injury and the surgical approach.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that the rotator cuff injury is clearly documented to support the procedure.

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. S42.202 provides a framework for capturing unspecified fractures, but coders must ensure that documentation supports the use of this code.

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. S42.202 provides a framework for capturing unspecified fractures, but coders must ensure that documentation supports the use of this code.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S42.202 provides a framework for capturing unspecified fractures, but coders must ensure that documentation supports the use of this code.

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 S42.202 and S42.201?

S42.202 is used for unspecified fractures of the upper end of the left humerus, while S42.201 is for unspecified fractures of the upper end of the right humerus. Accurate coding requires documentation of the side of the injury.