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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS52.30

S52.30

Billable

Unspecified fracture of shaft of radius

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S52.30 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified fracture of shaft of radius.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified fracture of the shaft of the radius typically occurs due to trauma, such as falls or direct blows to the forearm. This injury can manifest in various ways, including pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the wrist and elbow. The radius is one of the two long bones in the forearm, and fractures can lead to complications such as malunion or nonunion if not properly managed. In cases where the fracture is close to the elbow, it may also affect the elbow joint, leading to potential complications like stiffness or instability. The management of this fracture often involves orthopedic fixation procedures, which may include the use of plates, screws, or intramedullary nails to stabilize the bone. Compartment syndrome is a critical consideration in these injuries, particularly if there is significant swelling or vascular compromise, necessitating immediate surgical intervention. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent long-term functional impairment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in fracture types and locations
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., elbow fractures)
  • Need for detailed imaging and clinical evaluation
  • Variability in treatment approaches (conservative vs. surgical)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture specifics
  • Failure to note associated injuries or complications
  • Incorrect coding of fracture type or location
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the mechanism of injury and any complications such as compartment syndrome.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute forearm pain and swelling after trauma.

Billing Considerations

Document the time of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S52.30 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the fracture is documented as 'unspecified' only when no further details are available
  • Include any relevant external cause codes if applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S52.30 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 distal radius fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Document the method of reduction and any follow-up care.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that the fracture type is accurately documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding fractures, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding fractures, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 S52.30 and S52.31?

S52.30 refers to an unspecified fracture of the shaft of the radius, while S52.31 specifically refers to a fracture of the distal radius.