2025 ICD-10-CM code S52.501A
Unspecified fracture of the lower end of the right radius, initial encounter for closed fracture.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a clinically diagnosed fracture of the lower end of the right radius, supported by imaging findings.The documentation should clearly indicate the need for medical intervention, such as pain management, immobilization, and/or potential surgical repair.
The physician is responsible for diagnosing the fracture through physical examination, imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans), and patient history.Treatment may involve splinting, casting, pain management, and possibly surgery if the fracture is unstable or open.Follow-up care and rehabilitation are also part of the physician's responsibility.
- 19: Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
- Injuries to the elbow and forearm (S50-S59)
In simple words: This code represents a break in the lower part of the right forearm bone (radius) near the wrist. The skin is not broken, and the doctor hasn't yet determined the exact details of the break during this first visit.
This code describes a fracture of the distal end of the right radius, where the specifics of the fracture are not documented. It is used for the initial encounter of a closed fracture, meaning the skin is not broken.
Example 1: A patient falls on an outstretched hand and experiences pain and swelling in the right wrist.Initial X-rays reveal a fracture at the lower end of the radius, but further details (displacement, comminution) are not yet clear. S52.501A is used for this initial encounter., A patient presents to the emergency department after a motor vehicle accident with tenderness and limited range of motion in the right wrist.A closed fracture of the distal radius is confirmed through imaging, but the type of fracture is not specified in the initial documentation.S52.501A is applied., An elderly patient trips and falls, hitting their right wrist.They present with pain and deformity at the distal radius.A closed fracture is evident, but the initial imaging does not provide enough detail for a more specific diagnosis. S52.501A is used.
Documentation should include details of the incident causing the injury, physical exam findings (e.g., swelling, tenderness, deformity), results of imaging studies (X-rays, CT scan), and initial treatment plan. If the fracture type is later specified, the code should be updated accordingly.
** This code is specific to the *initial encounter* for a closed fracture.Subsequent encounters or further specification of the fracture will require different codes.Remember to code for any associated injuries.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Urgent Care Facility