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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS72.11

S72.11

Billable

Fracture of greater trochanter of femur

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S72.11 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of fracture of greater trochanter of femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The greater trochanter is a prominent bony projection on the femur, located at the proximal end of the thigh bone. A fracture of the greater trochanter typically occurs due to high-energy trauma, such as falls or motor vehicle accidents, particularly in older adults with osteoporosis. This type of fracture can lead to significant morbidity, including pain, decreased mobility, and complications related to immobility. Clinically, patients may present with hip pain, difficulty in weight-bearing, and a characteristic limp. Diagnosis is confirmed through imaging studies, primarily X-rays, which reveal the fracture line and any associated displacement. Treatment often involves conservative management with pain control and physical therapy; however, surgical intervention may be necessary in cases of significant displacement or instability. Surgical options include internal fixation techniques, such as the use of plates or screws, to stabilize the fracture and promote healing. Rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function and preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in fracture patterns and displacement
  • Need for precise documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Differentiation from other hip fractures
  • Potential for associated injuries in the hip region

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the fracture type and location
  • Failure to document the mechanism of injury
  • Lack of clarity on treatment plan (surgical vs. conservative)
  • Misclassification of fracture severity

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and post-operative care notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical fixation of greater trochanter fractures, management of complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of surgical procedures performed in conjunction with the fracture repair.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of initial assessment, imaging results, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of trauma patients with suspected hip fractures.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S72.11 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for fractures, ensuring accurate documentation of the fracture type, location, and treatment plan
  • Include any relevant external cause codes if applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S72.11 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27236CPT Code

Open treatment of greater trochanter fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is performed for a greater trochanter fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure, fixation method, and post-operative care.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure accurate coding of the procedure performed.

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 the greater trochanter, which aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, including the greater trochanter, which aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, including the greater trochanter, which aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

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 primary treatment for a greater trochanter fracture?

Treatment may involve conservative management with physical therapy and pain control, or surgical intervention if the fracture is displaced or unstable.