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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS72.301

S72.301

Billable

Unspecified fracture of shaft of right femur

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S72.301 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified fracture of shaft of right femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The unspecified fracture of the shaft of the right femur refers to a break in the long bone of the thigh, which is critical for weight-bearing and mobility. This type of fracture can occur due to various mechanisms, including trauma from falls, accidents, or sports injuries. The femur is the strongest bone in the body, and fractures typically result from high-energy impacts. Symptoms may include severe pain, swelling, and inability to bear weight on the affected leg. Diagnosis is confirmed through imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans. Treatment often involves orthopedic intervention, which may include surgical fixation with plates, screws, or intramedullary nails, depending on the fracture's location and severity. Rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function and strength post-injury. Given the potential for complications, such as nonunion or malunion, careful monitoring and follow-up are essential.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in fracture types and locations within the femur
  • Need for precise documentation of injury mechanism
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., hip dislocation)
  • Variability in treatment approaches (surgical vs. conservative)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture specifics
  • Failure to specify laterality in cases of bilateral injuries
  • Misclassification of fracture type
  • Lack of follow-up documentation post-treatment

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging results, and follow-up notes are essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from falls in elderly patients, sports injuries in younger patients, and trauma from vehicular accidents.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the mechanism of injury and any associated injuries to support coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute pain and inability to bear weight after trauma.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of the mechanism of injury is crucial for coding and treatment planning.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S72.301 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding fractures, including the need for laterality and specificity regarding the type of fracture
  • Ensure compliance with documentation standards for trauma cases

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S72.301 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27506CPT Code

Open treatment of femoral shaft fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for fracture stabilization.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and any implants used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the specifics of the fracture and treatment.

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. S72.301 reflects the need for precise documentation to avoid ambiguity in treatment and outcomes.

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. S72.301 reflects the need for precise documentation to avoid ambiguity in treatment and outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S72.301 reflects the need for precise documentation to avoid ambiguity in treatment and outcomes.

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 S72.301 and S72.302?

S72.301 refers to an unspecified fracture of the shaft of the right femur, while S72.302 refers to the same type of fracture on the left side. Accurate coding requires specifying the laterality of the fracture.