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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS72.135

S72.135

Billable

Nondisplaced apophyseal fracture of left femur

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S72.135 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nondisplaced apophyseal fracture of left femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A nondisplaced apophyseal fracture of the left femur refers to a fracture occurring at the site where muscles and tendons attach to the femur, specifically at the growth plate or apophysis. This type of fracture is characterized by the absence of displacement, meaning the bone fragments remain in their normal anatomical position. Such fractures are commonly seen in adolescents and young adults, often resulting from sports injuries or falls. The left femur is the long bone in the thigh, and injuries to this area can significantly impact mobility and function. Treatment typically involves conservative management, including rest, immobilization, and physical therapy, although surgical intervention may be necessary in some cases. Accurate diagnosis and coding are crucial for appropriate treatment and reimbursement, as these fractures can lead to complications if not managed properly. Orthopedic evaluation is essential to determine the extent of the injury and to formulate a treatment plan that minimizes the risk of long-term disability.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between displaced and nondisplaced fractures
  • Identifying the specific location of the fracture on the femur
  • Understanding the implications of apophyseal injuries in different age groups
  • Navigating the coding guidelines for fractures and associated conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the laterality of the fracture
  • Misclassification of fracture type (displaced vs. nondisplaced)
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the fracture type, location, and treatment plan, including imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from sports injuries, falls, or trauma in adolescents.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of growth plate involvement and potential for future complications.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of growth and development status, as well as injury history.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures in children due to falls or sports activities.

Billing Considerations

Understanding the implications of apophyseal injuries in growing children.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S72.135 When
  • Follow the ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for fractures, ensuring to document the specific site and type of fracture
  • Include any relevant external cause codes if applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S72.135 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27506CPT Code

Open treatment of femoral fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for a fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the surgical approach and any complications.

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. S72.135 provides a clear distinction between nondisplaced and displaced fractures, which is crucial for treatment planning.

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. S72.135 provides a clear distinction between nondisplaced and displaced fractures, which is crucial for treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S72.135 provides a clear distinction between nondisplaced and displaced fractures, which is crucial for treatment planning.

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 a displaced and nondisplaced fracture?

A displaced fracture involves a separation of the bone fragments, while a nondisplaced fracture means the bone remains in its normal alignment.