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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS42.23

S42.23

Billable

3-part fracture of surgical neck of humerus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S42.23 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of 3-part fracture of surgical neck of humerus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A 3-part fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus is a complex injury typically resulting from a fall or direct trauma to the shoulder. This type of fracture involves three distinct fragments of the humerus: the greater tuberosity, the lesser tuberosity, and the humeral shaft. The surgical neck is located just below the head of the humerus and is a common site for fractures, especially in elderly patients with osteoporosis. Clinically, patients may present with severe shoulder pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Diagnosis is confirmed through imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, which reveal the fracture pattern and any associated dislocations. Treatment often involves orthopedic intervention, which may include surgical fixation or shoulder replacement, depending on the severity and displacement of the fracture. Rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function and strength to the shoulder joint post-injury. Understanding the nuances of this fracture type is essential for accurate coding and appropriate management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of fracture classification systems.
  • Involves knowledge of associated injuries (e.g., rotator cuff tears).
  • Documentation must specify the number of fracture parts.
  • Differentiation from other shoulder injuries is necessary.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture details.
  • Failure to specify laterality (right vs. left).
  • Misclassification of fracture type.
  • Lack of imaging reports to support diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and pre-operative assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the complexity of the fracture and any associated procedures performed.

Physical Therapy

Documentation Requirements

Progress notes detailing rehabilitation goals, treatment plans, and patient responses.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-operative rehabilitation following surgical repair of the fracture.

Billing Considerations

Document functional limitations and progress to justify therapy sessions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S42.23 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the fracture type, laterality, and any associated injuries
  • Include details from imaging studies and surgical reports to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S42.23 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

23470CPT Code

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery

Clinical Scenario

Used for surgical repair of a 3-part fracture of the surgical neck.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the complexity of the fracture and the surgical approach.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, including the ability to capture the complexity of a 3-part fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, including the ability to capture the complexity of a 3-part fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, including the ability to capture the complexity of a 3-part fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus. This specificity aids in better tracking of 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 difference between a 3-part fracture and a 2-part fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus?

A 3-part fracture involves three separate fragments of bone, typically including the greater tuberosity, lesser tuberosity, and the humeral shaft, while a 2-part fracture involves only two fragments. The complexity of treatment and rehabilitation may differ significantly between the two.