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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS82.10

S82.10

Billable

Unspecified fracture of upper end of tibia

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/26/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S82.10 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified fracture of upper end of tibia.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified fracture of the upper end of the tibia typically refers to a break in the proximal region of the tibia, which is crucial for weight-bearing and mobility. This type of fracture can occur due to various mechanisms, including falls, sports injuries, or vehicular accidents. The upper end of the tibia is closely associated with the knee joint, making these fractures particularly significant as they can impact knee stability and function. Symptoms often include localized pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, which help to assess the extent of the fracture and any associated soft tissue injuries, such as ligament tears. Treatment may involve conservative management with immobilization or surgical intervention, depending on the fracture's complexity and the patient's overall health. Rehabilitation is essential for restoring function and strength to the knee and leg following recovery from the fracture.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in fracture types and locations within the upper tibia.
  • Potential for associated injuries, such as ligament tears or meniscal injuries.
  • Need for precise documentation of fracture details for accurate coding.
  • Differentiation from other tibial and fibular fractures.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture specifics.
  • Failure to document associated injuries.
  • Incorrect linkage of diagnosis to treatment procedures.
  • Use of unspecified codes when more specific codes are available.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the fracture type, location, and any associated injuries must be documented. Imaging results and treatment plans should also be included.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from sports injuries, falls, or trauma requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all surgical procedures performed are documented, including any fixation devices used.

Physical Therapy

Documentation Requirements

Progress notes detailing rehabilitation goals, treatment modalities, and patient response to therapy.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-operative rehabilitation following tibial fracture repair or conservative management of fractures.

Billing Considerations

Document the functional limitations and progress towards recovery to support ongoing therapy needs.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S82.10 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the fracture specifics are not documented
  • Include any relevant external cause codes if applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S82.10 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27447CPT Code

Open treatment of tibial plateau fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for a tibial plateau fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure, fixation method, and post-operative care.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the specifics of the fracture and the surgical approach.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding fractures, which can improve patient care and reimbursement accuracy. However, the complexity of the codes requires thorough documentation to avoid errors.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding fractures, which can improve patient care and reimbursement accuracy. However, the complexity of the codes requires thorough documentation to avoid errors.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement accuracy. However, the complexity of the codes requires thorough documentation to avoid errors.

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 S82.10 and S82.11?

S82.10 is used for unspecified fractures of the upper end of the tibia, while S82.11 is for closed fractures specifically. The choice of code depends on the documentation of the fracture type.