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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS52.309

S52.309

Billable

Unspecified fracture of shaft of unspecified radius

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S52.309 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified fracture of shaft of unspecified radius.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The S52.309 code refers to an unspecified fracture of the shaft of the radius, which is a common injury often resulting from falls or direct trauma. The radius is one of the two long bones in the forearm, and fractures can occur in various locations along its shaft. These fractures may be associated with elbow injuries, particularly when the fracture is the result of a fall onto an outstretched hand. Complications such as compartment syndrome can arise if swelling occurs within the forearm, leading to increased pressure and potential damage to nerves and blood vessels. Treatment typically involves orthopedic fixation procedures, which may include casting or surgical intervention, depending on the fracture's severity and displacement. Accurate coding requires careful documentation of the mechanism of injury, the specific location of the fracture, and any associated complications to ensure appropriate management and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Lack of specificity in the code regarding the exact location of the fracture
  • Potential for associated injuries that may complicate coding
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on fracture type
  • Need for detailed documentation to support the diagnosis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the location of the fracture
  • Inadequate follow-up notes on treatment and outcomes
  • Coding without correlating clinical findings

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from falls, sports injuries, or accidents.

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document any associated injuries, such as elbow dislocations or compartment syndrome.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Accurate recording of the mechanism of injury and initial assessment findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute pain and swelling in the forearm after trauma.

Billing Considerations

Document any immediate interventions and the need for orthopedic consultation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S52.309 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, this code should be used when the specific location of the fracture is not documented
  • It is essential to ensure that the fracture is confirmed through imaging studies and that the documentation supports the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S52.309 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

25600CPT Code

Closed treatment of fracture, radius

Clinical Scenario

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

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should provide detailed operative notes.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of fractures, improving specificity and accuracy in billing and clinical documentation. However, the unspecified nature of S52.309 may lead to challenges in justifying the diagnosis without adequate clinical details.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of fractures, improving specificity and accuracy in billing and clinical documentation. However, the unspecified nature of S52.309 may lead to challenges in justifying the diagnosis without adequate clinical details.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing and clinical documentation. However, the unspecified nature of S52.309 may lead to challenges in justifying the diagnosis without adequate clinical details.

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 should I document to support the use of S52.309?

Document the mechanism of injury, clinical findings, imaging results, and treatment plan. Ensure that any complications, such as compartment syndrome, are also noted.