ICD 10 CM S43.82 | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 S43.82 describes a specific medical condition characterized by the stretching or tearing of the ligament or fibrous bands of tissue that connect the upper limb to the clavicle and scapula, which can be caused by a sudden or direct blow, motor vehicle accident, sports activities, fall on an outstretched arm, or forceful twisting of the shoulder, and is identified by the healthcare provider based on the specific part of the shoulder girdle affected, which is not represented by any other code.

Official Description Of S43.82

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code S43.82 as:

When To Use S43.82

The diagnosis describes by ICD 10 CM S43.82 is a type of sprain that occurs in unspecified parts of the left shoulder girdle. This condition results in pain, swelling, bruising, muscle spasm, instability, muscle weakness, deformity, tenderness, stiffness, and limitation of motion. Medical coders dealing with patients diagnosed with this condition must have proper knowledge of coding guidelines, medical terms, and anatomy.

To diagnose the condition, healthcare providers initially take a detailed medical history of the patient. They then conduct a comprehensive physical examination to check the range of motion and muscle strength around the left shoulder girdle. Medical imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound may be used to rule out any possibility of a fracture or reveal the extent of damage.

Once the diagnosis is established, the physician may prescribe medication such as analgesics, corticosteroids, muscle relaxants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Rest is advised to prevent further damage and promote healing. Patients may require a sling for immobilization during the recovery period. Physical therapy is also recommended to improve range of motion, flexibility, and muscle strength. Occupational therapy may be necessary in some cases where the injury affects the activities of daily living.

In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. The type of surgery depends on the extent of injury and includes various procedures such as arthroscopy and open reduction and internal fixation. Arthroscopy is minimally invasive surgery that uses an arthroscope to visualize the inside of the joint and make repairs. Open reduction and internal fixation, on the other hand, involves surgical exposure of the joint and securing the bone fragments in the correct position with the help of screws, pins, plates, or wires.

Medical coders must ensure that they accurately document the diagnosis code S43.82 along with the appropriate procedure codes for any surgical interventions. They must also consider the specificity and laterality of the injury when assigning codes. Any error or ambiguity may lead to incorrect reimbursement or denial of claims, which can impact both the healthcare provider and the patient.

In conclusion, the diagnosis code ICD 10 CM S43.82 describes a specific type of shoulder girdle sprain that can vary in severity. Accurate and detailed documentation of diagnosis codes, treatment procedures, and related services is essential to provide quality care to patients and ensure accurate reimbursement. Medical coders must stay updated with the latest coding guidelines, medical terminology, and anatomy related to the shoulder girdle to perform their job effectively.