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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS52.181

S52.181

Billable

Other fracture of upper end of right radius

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S52.181 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other fracture of upper end of right radius.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The S52.181 code refers to fractures at the upper end of the right radius that do not fall into the more specific categories of fractures such as those classified as 'Colles' or 'Smith's' fractures. These fractures can occur due to various mechanisms of injury, including falls, direct trauma, or sports-related injuries. The upper end of the radius is crucial for wrist and elbow function, and fractures in this area can lead to complications such as malunion, nonunion, or post-traumatic arthritis. Patients may present with pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the elbow and wrist. Diagnosis typically involves clinical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, to assess the fracture's nature and extent. Treatment may vary from conservative management with immobilization to surgical intervention, including orthopedic fixation procedures, depending on the fracture's stability and displacement. Complications such as compartment syndrome, although rare, can occur if there is significant swelling or bleeding within the forearm compartments, necessitating urgent intervention.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in fracture types and presentations
  • Need for precise documentation of fracture characteristics
  • Potential for associated injuries in the elbow or wrist
  • Differentiation from similar fracture codes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture specifics
  • Failure to document associated injuries
  • Incorrect coding of laterality (right vs. left)
  • Lack of clarity on treatment provided

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, treatment provided, and any complications.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Initial assessment notes, imaging results, and treatment plans must be documented thoroughly.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute pain and swelling after trauma.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of mechanism of injury and initial treatment is crucial for coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S52.181 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S52
  • 181 should be used when the fracture is confirmed through imaging and is not classified under more specific fracture codes
  • It is important to document the mechanism of injury and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S52.181 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

25600CPT Code

Closed treatment of distal radius fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used when a closed reduction is performed for a fracture of the radius.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and any imaging studies.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the specifics of the fracture and treatment.

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. S52.181 provides a more detailed classification than previous ICD-9 codes, allowing for better tracking of treatment outcomes and complications.

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. S52.181 provides a more detailed classification than previous ICD-9 codes, allowing for better tracking of treatment outcomes and complications.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S52.181 provides a more detailed classification than previous ICD-9 codes, allowing for better tracking of treatment outcomes and complications.

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 are the common causes of fractures of the upper end of the radius?

Common causes include falls, sports injuries, and direct trauma. The mechanism of injury often involves a fall onto an outstretched hand or direct impact to the forearm.