What is the ICD-10 code for left shoulder strain?

The ICD-10 code for left shoulder strain is S46.012A, used for initial encounters involving rotator cuff strain.

How do you code a left shoulder strain from a fall?

For a left shoulder strain from a fall, use S46.012A for the strain and W11.XXXA for the external cause.

ICD-10 Coding for Left Shoulder Strain(S46.012A, M25.512, M75.42)

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Learn about ICD-10 coding for left shoulder strain, including primary codes, documentation requirements, and common pitfalls.

Also known as:

Left Rotator Cuff StrainLeft Shoulder Capsule Strain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Shoulder Strain

S00-T88Primary Range

Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes

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Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
S46.012A	Strain of muscle(s) and tendon(s) of rotator cuff of left shoulder, initial encounter	Use for initial encounter of rotator cuff strain with confirmed clinical findings.	Positive empty can test MRI-confirmed partial tear
S43.422A	Strain of left shoulder capsule, initial encounter	Use for initial encounter of shoulder capsule strain with confirmed clinical findings.	Anterior joint line tenderness Positive apprehension/relocation test

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Strain of muscle(s) and tendon(s) of the rotator cuff of left shoulder, initial encounter

S46.012ABillable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Impingement syndrome of left shoulderM75.42

Strain of rotator cuff of left shoulderS46.012A

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Left Shoulder Strain.

Omitting external cause codes

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture of the injury., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation

Ensure all incidents leading to injury are documented., Use appropriate external cause codes.

Using M25.512 (pain) instead of a specific strain code when the cause is known.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation of patient conditions.

Mitigation

Use S46.012A for specific rotator cuff strain with documented clinical findings.

Use of non-specific codes

Impact

Using general pain codes instead of specific strain codes.

Mitigation

Educate coding staff on the importance of specificity in coding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with S46.012A.

Primary Code

S46.012A

Strain of muscle(s) and tendon(s) of the rotator cuff of left shoulder, initial encounter

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ICD-10 codes10

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Left Shoulder Strain(S46.012A, M25.512, M75.42)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for left shoulder strain?

How do you code a left shoulder strain from a fall?

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