2025 ICD-10-CM code S50
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Injury - Injuries to the elbow and forearm (S50-S59) Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88) Feed
Superficial injury of the elbow and forearm.
Modifiers may be used as appropriate to indicate the circumstances of the encounter (e.g., place of service, type of service). Consult your local payer's guidelines for accepted modifier usage.
Medical necessity is established based on the presence of a superficial injury requiring treatment to prevent complications like infection or to restore function.The necessity for specific treatments (e.g., antibiotics, physical therapy) should be documented.
Diagnosis is based on patient history and physical examination. Treatment is determined by the severity of the injury and may include pain management (analgesics), infection prevention (antibiotics), wound care, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical repair.
- Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
- S50-S59 (Injuries to the elbow and forearm)
In simple words: A minor scrape or cut on the elbow or forearm, possibly with some swelling or pain.This usually heals quickly.
This code represents a superficial injury affecting the elbow and forearm.The injury is characterized by minimal damage, such as a scrape or minor wound, with little to no bleeding or swelling.It may result from a fall, accident, or surgical procedure.While typically minor, the injury might cause pain, swelling, inflammation, tenderness, weakness, or restricted movement. Diagnosis is based on patient history and physical examination. Treatment may include analgesics for pain relief, antibiotics to prevent infection, wound cleaning and dressing, and physical therapy to restore range of motion and muscle strength.Surgical repair may be necessary in some cases.
Example 1: A patient falls and scrapes their elbow, resulting in minor skin abrasion with minimal bleeding. , During a surgical procedure on the elbow, a minor superficial laceration occurs to the forearm., A child suffers a superficial abrasion to their forearm after a minor accident on the playground.
Detailed description of the injury (location, size, depth), mechanism of injury, assessment of pain, swelling, and range of motion, treatment provided (wound care, medication, physical therapy), and any follow-up care.
** This code is for superficial injuries only. Deeper or more extensive injuries should be coded using appropriate alternative ICD-10 codes.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Orthopedics, General Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Emergency Room - Hospital, Urgent Care Facility, Other Place of Service