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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS42.331

S42.331

Billable

Displaced oblique fracture of shaft of humerus, right arm

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S42.331 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of displaced oblique fracture of shaft of humerus, right arm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A displaced oblique fracture of the shaft of the humerus occurs when there is a break in the bone that is not aligned properly, typically due to trauma or injury. This type of fracture is characterized by a diagonal break across the bone, which can lead to significant pain, swelling, and loss of function in the arm. Patients may present with an inability to move the shoulder or arm, and there may be visible deformity. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through imaging studies such as X-rays, which reveal the fracture's location and displacement. Treatment often involves orthopedic intervention, which may include immobilization with a sling or brace, and in some cases, surgical repair may be necessary to realign the bone fragments. Surgical options may include internal fixation with plates or screws, depending on the fracture's severity and the patient's overall health. Rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function and strength to the arm following treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of fracture types and classifications
  • Need for accurate documentation of displacement and obliqueness
  • Differentiation from similar codes for non-displaced fractures
  • Potential for surgical intervention coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture type and displacement
  • Failure to document associated injuries or conditions
  • Incorrect coding of surgical procedures related to the fracture
  • Misinterpretation of imaging results

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 vehicular accidents.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly indicate the type of fracture, treatment provided, and any complications.

Physical Therapy

Documentation Requirements

Progress notes detailing rehabilitation exercises and patient response to treatment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-operative rehabilitation following surgical repair of humeral fractures.

Billing Considerations

Therapy notes should correlate with the surgical procedure and demonstrate improvement in function.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S42.331 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the fracture is coded to the highest level of specificity
  • Include laterality and type of fracture
  • displaced fractures or other unrelated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S42.331 When
  • Exclude codes for non

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

24500CPT Code

Open treatment of humeral shaft fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is performed for a displaced fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the specifics 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, improving the accuracy of claims and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the accuracy of claims and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the accuracy of claims and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation.

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 displaced and non-displaced fractures?

Displaced fractures involve a break in the bone where the ends are not aligned, while non-displaced fractures have the bone broken but the ends remain in alignment.