ICD 10 CM S42.424D | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 S42.424D describes a specific type of fracture in the right humerus bone, where the rounded portion at the end of the upper arm bone just above the elbow joint breaks into three or more pieces, without any discontinuity between the two condyles, while still maintaining alignment of the fractured fragments, and is caused by high impact trauma from incidents such as falling on a bent elbow or experiencing a forceful direct blow to the elbow from a moving object, a motor vehicle accident, or participating in sports activities, and this code is used for subsequent encounters when the fracture is healing normally.

Official Description Of S42.424D

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code S42.424D as:

When To Use S42.424D

The diagnosis describes by ICD 10 CM S42.424D points toward a specific type of broken bone within the right humerus, often characterized by severe pain and swelling in the elbow or upper arm, bruising, limited range of motion, and pain with movement or bearing weight. In medical coding, the ICD 10 CM classification system enables healthcare providers to document the proper codes for each patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan. As such, medical coders play a crucial role in ensuring that the diagnoses and procedures are correctly recorded in a clear and standardized manner.

When a patient presents with a broken bone, medical providers initially use imaging techniques such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, or computed tomography, in addition to conducting a physical examination and taking the patient’s medical history. Based on these evaluations, a diagnosis of a nondisplaced supracondylar fracture of the right humerus may be made. Such a fracture typically exhibits the bone fracture above the elbow joint, making it a supracondylar fracture, rather than being significantly out of alignment, indicating a nondisplaced fracture.

Depending on the severity of the fracture, the appropriate treatment course would be determined. Stable and closed fractures can typically be treated with conservative measures to ensure proper healing, such as immobilization. The use of a splint or cast to restrict limb movement, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or analgesics for pain relief are often used in these cases.

However, for unstable fractures, surgery is often required to ensure proper stability during the healing process. With open fractures, surgery is essential to close the wound and prevent any potential infection. In addition, physical therapy may be critical to support the restoration of range of motion during the healing process.

The objective of the ICD 10 CM classification system is to create standards that are useful and accurate for identifying diagnoses and treatment plans, and medical coders are responsible for assigning the most appropriate codes for each case. Medical coding education programs emphasize the importance of maintaining the accuracy and consistency of medical codes, which directly impact medical billing and insurance reimbursement for healthcare facilities and providers.

In conclusion, the ICD 10 CM S42.424D diagnosis code identifies a nondisplaced supracondylar fracture of the right humerus, which can result in various symptoms, including pain and swelling in the affected area, limited range of motion, and pain with movement. Depending on the extent of the injury, different treatment options may be available, ranging from conservative measures to surgical intervention. The accurate documentation of diagnoses and medical codes is a crucial part of healthcare record keeping, and medical coders play an essential role in ensuring that diagnostic codes are correct and accurately represent the patient’s treatment plan.