2025 ICD-10-CM code S52.502A

Unspecified fracture of the lower end of the left radius, initial encounter for a closed fracture.

Follow all current ICD-10-CM coding guidelines.Use additional codes as needed for any co-morbidities, complications, or causes of injury.

Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of the encounter and any procedures performed. For example, a modifier may be used to indicate the use of anesthesia or the location of the service.

Medical necessity is established by the presence of a fracture, confirmed by imaging studies.The treatment plan, including immobilization and pain management, is medically necessary to address the injury and promote healing and restoration of function.

The clinical responsibility involves diagnosing the fracture through history, physical examination, and imaging. Treatment may include pain management (analgesics, NSAIDs), immobilization (splint or cast), physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention (internal fixation) for unstable or open fractures.

IMPORTANT Related codes might include those specifying the type of fracture (e.g., comminuted, displaced) or later encounters for the same fracture.Additional codes could be used for complications or co-morbidities. Consider additional codes from Chapter 20 (External causes of morbidity) to indicate the cause of injury if not included in the T section.

In simple words: This code describes a broken bone in the lower part of the left forearm near the wrist. The break didn't go through the skin, and it's the first time the person is seen for this injury.The doctor didn't specify the exact type of break.

This code signifies an unspecified fracture of the lower end of the left radius.It's the initial encounter for a closed fracture (bone doesn't penetrate the skin), where the specific fracture type isn't documented. The injury is typically caused by trauma such as a blow, accident, or fall.Pain, swelling, bruising, limited elbow movement, wrist deformity, and numbness/tingling might occur due to nerve or blood vessel damage. Diagnosis relies on patient history, physical examination, and imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans).

Example 1: A 25-year-old male falls from a bicycle, sustaining a closed, unspecified fracture of the lower end of his left radius. He presents to the emergency room with pain and swelling.X-rays confirm the fracture. He is treated with a cast and analgesics. , A 70-year-old female slips on ice and falls, fracturing the distal radius of her left arm. This is a closed fracture without displacement. She experiences pain and limited range of motion. Treatment consists of a cast and outpatient physical therapy., A 16-year-old involved in a motor vehicle accident sustains an unspecified closed fracture of the lower end of their left radius, along with a minor laceration to the forearm. The fracture is treated with a long arm cast. The laceration is closed with sutures.

Detailed patient history, physical examination findings (including range of motion assessment), radiographic imaging reports (X-rays, CT, or MRI as appropriate), treatment plan (including immobilization method, medication administration, and rehabilitation), and any relevant progress notes are necessary for accurate coding.

** If the fracture is open (bone penetrates the skin), a different code would be required.Always consider the seventh character for initial encounter (A), subsequent encounter (D), sequela (S), etc.The specificity of the fracture will influence choice of associated CPT codes for treatment.

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