2025 ICD-10-CM code S52.332E

Subsequent encounter for open displaced oblique fracture of the left radius shaft, type I or II, with routine healing.

Appropriate coding requires correct identification of the fracture type (I or II), the nature of the healing process (routine or delayed), and whether the fracture is open or closed.Use of additional codes from Chapter 20 (External causes of morbidity) is required to identify the cause of injury, and code Z18.- may be needed for any retained foreign body.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the encounter and the services provided. Consult your local payer's guidelines for more details.

Medical necessity is established by the presence of a displaced oblique fracture of the left radius requiring treatment and follow-up care to ensure proper healing and to manage any potential complications.The level of care and frequency of follow-up appointments should be supported by objective clinical findings.

The clinical responsibility includes diagnosis via patient history, physical examination, and imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT scan); determining fracture stability; selecting appropriate treatment (e.g., casting, splinting, surgery, medication); monitoring healing progress; and managing complications.

IMPORTANT Related codes within the S52.332 series include S52.332D (closed fracture with routine healing), S52.332F (open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with routine healing), S52.332G (closed fracture with delayed healing), and S52.332H (open fracture type I or II with delayed healing).Additional codes may be necessary to specify the cause of injury (Chapter 20, External causes of morbidity) and any retained foreign body (Z18.-).

In simple words: This code is for a follow-up visit after a broken left radius bone (in the forearm) that is healing normally. The break is a diagonal break that is out of place, and the skin was broken at the time of the injury.This is a less severe type of open fracture.

This code signifies a subsequent encounter for an open, displaced oblique fracture of the left radius shaft.The fracture is classified as type I or II according to the Gustilo classification, indicating minimal to moderate soft tissue damage resulting from low-energy trauma.Healing is progressing routinely.

Example 1: A patient presents for a follow-up appointment following an open, displaced oblique fracture of the left radius.The initial fracture was treated surgically with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The wound has healed without complications, and the fracture shows signs of routine healing on X-ray., A patient sustained a type I open fracture of the left radius in a fall. After initial treatment, including wound care and splinting, the patient returns for a follow-up visit. The fracture is healing normally, the wound is closed and clean., A patient initially treated with a cast for a type II open displaced oblique fracture of the left radius returns for evaluation.The cast is removed, the wound is healed, and the fracture is healing as expected based on X-ray findings.

Complete and accurate documentation should include:

** This code is specifically for subsequent encounters.The initial encounter should be coded using the appropriate code for the initial treatment of the fracture.Always ensure accurate documentation supports the selected code.

  • Payment Status: Active
  • Specialties:Orthopedics, Emergency Medicine
  • Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center
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