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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS72.062

S72.062

Billable

Displaced articular fracture of head of left femur

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/25/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S72.062 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of displaced articular fracture of head of left femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A displaced articular fracture of the head of the left femur is a serious orthopedic injury that typically occurs due to high-energy trauma, such as falls or vehicular accidents. This type of fracture involves a break in the bone that disrupts the joint surface, potentially leading to complications such as avascular necrosis, post-traumatic arthritis, and impaired mobility. The displacement of the fracture fragments can affect the blood supply to the femoral head, necessitating prompt surgical intervention to realign the bone and stabilize the joint. Treatment often involves orthopedic trauma surgery, which may include internal fixation with plates or screws, or in some cases, hip arthroplasty. Accurate diagnosis and coding are crucial for appropriate management and reimbursement, as these fractures are associated with significant morbidity and healthcare costs. The clinical presentation may include severe hip pain, inability to bear weight, and visible deformity of the hip joint. Radiographic imaging, particularly X-rays or CT scans, is essential for confirming the diagnosis and assessing the extent of the injury.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires precise documentation of displacement and location of the fracture.
  • Involves understanding of orthopedic terminology and anatomy.
  • Potential for multiple treatment options affecting coding.
  • Need for differentiation from non-displaced fractures and other femoral injuries.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture displacement.
  • Failure to specify laterality (left vs. right).
  • Lack of clarity on the mechanism of injury.
  • Improper coding of associated procedures or complications.

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

Surgical repair of displaced femoral head fractures, management of complications such as avascular necrosis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all surgical interventions and their indications are clearly documented to support coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of initial assessment, imaging results, and treatment provided in the emergency setting.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and stabilization of patients with hip fractures.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires clear documentation of the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S72.062 When
  • Follow the ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for fractures, ensuring to document the type of fracture, laterality, and any associated complications
  • Include details about the mechanism of injury and treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S72.062 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27236CPT Code

Open treatment of femoral head fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is performed for a displaced femoral head fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure, indications, and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must ensure that the surgical approach and fixation method are clearly documented.

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 details about displacement and laterality, which enhances the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, including details about displacement and laterality, which enhances 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 S72.061 and S72.062?

S72.061 refers to a non-displaced articular fracture of the head of the left femur, while S72.062 indicates a displaced fracture, which typically requires more complex management and coding.