In the case study, which code best represents a torn coracohumeral ligament on the right shoulder?

In the case study, which code best represents a torn coracohumeral ligament on the right shoulder?

• A. 71020
• B. 73030
• C. 72040
• D. S43.419A

Answer: (D)

The key idea is assigning the diagnosis code for a ligament injury of the shoulder. A torn coracohumeral ligament is treated as a sprain of the shoulder ligaments. In ICD-10-CM, there isn’t a distinct code for tearing a specific ligament like the coracohumeral ligament; instead you code the sprain of the shoulder ligaments with proper laterality and encounter: - Right shoulder is conveyed in the code by its position in the shoulder ligament sprain category. - The final letter indicates the encounter type; A means initial encounter. Therefore, the best code is the one that specifies a sprain of the ligaments of the right shoulder, initial encounter. The other options are CPT procedure codes for imaging or intervention (radiographs or arthrography) and do not describe the injury diagnosis.

The key idea is assigning the diagnosis code for a ligament injury of the shoulder. A torn coracohumeral ligament is treated as a sprain of the shoulder ligaments. In ICD-10-CM, there isn’t a distinct code for tearing a specific ligament like the coracohumeral ligament; instead you code the sprain of the shoulder ligaments with proper laterality and encounter:

• Right shoulder is conveyed in the code by its position in the shoulder ligament sprain category.

• The final letter indicates the encounter type; A means initial encounter.

Therefore, the best code is the one that specifies a sprain of the ligaments of the right shoulder, initial encounter. The other options are CPT procedure codes for imaging or intervention (radiographs or arthrography) and do not describe the injury diagnosis.