Right hip fractures are a growing concern in the United States, particularly among older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 300,000 Americans aged 65 and older are hospitalized each year due to hip fractures, with most cases resulting from falls and being closely linked to conditions such as osteoporosis.
In the United States, studies show that nearly half of older adults do not regain their previous level of independence after a hip fracture, and many require long-term rehabilitation or nursing care. Because of this, the correct use of ICD-10 for right hip fractures for accurate clinical documentation and medical billing is important, not just for reimbursement, but also for tracking outcomes, care quality, and national injury trends.
This blog provides a clear guide to right hip fracture ICD-10 codes and the key documentation details orthopedic and healthcare providers need.
What Does Right Hips Fracture Mean?
A right hip fracture occurs when the upper part of the right thigh bone near the hip joint breaks. The fracture can involve different regions of the femur, including the femoral neck just below the ball of the hip joint, the intertrochanteric area slightly lower than the neck, or the subtrochanteric region in the upper shaft of the femur.
Each of these locations has a separate ICD-10 code to ensure precise documentation of the fracture type and location. These fractures can cause intense pain, make standing or walking extremely difficult, and often require surgery followed by weeks or months of rehabilitation. Using the correct ICD-10 for right hip fracture helps doctors, hospitals, and insurance providers clearly document the injury, ensuring patients receive the right care and that their recovery is properly tracked.
How Right Hip Fracture Categorized Under ICD-10?
Right hip fractures are part of ICD-10 Chapter 19, which deals with injury, poisoning, and certain other consequences of external causes. The codes range from S00 to T88. Within this chapter, all femur fractures are grouped under the S72 (Fracture of femur) category, which includes fractures of the femoral neck, intertrochanteric region, and subtrochanteric area on the right side. Each location has its own code depending on whether the fracture is displaced or nondisplaced and whether the encounter is initial, follow-up, or for complications. Using the correct ICD-10 for right hip fracture or right hip fx ICD-10 helps ensure accurate documentation, smooth medical billing, and appropriate patient care.
ICD-10 Codes For Right Hip Fracture
ICD-10 codes for right hip fractures are determined by where the break occurs, whether the bone is displaced, and the type of encounter. Using the correct code ensures accurate documentation, proper billing, and helps healthcare providers deliver appropriate care
1. Femoral Neck Fractures (Right Side)
Femoral neck fractures usually occur after a fall or direct impact, especially in older adults.
These ICD-10 codes identify whether the fracture is displaced, nondisplaced, or unspecified, along with the type of encounter.
S72.001A – Unspecified part of femoral neck, initial encounter
Used when the exact part of the right femoral neck is fractured but not specified. Applied during the initial visit for fracture care.
S72.001D – Unspecified part of femoral neck, subsequent encounter
Used when the patient returns for follow-up care after an unspecified femoral neck fracture.
S72.001S – Unspecified part of femoral neck, sequela
Used for complications or conditions resulting from a previously healed unspecified femoral neck fracture.
S72.011A – Nondisplaced fracture of femoral neck, initial encounter
Used when the right femoral neck is fractured but the bone alignment is maintained. Applied during the initial fracture care.
S72.021A – Displaced fracture of femoral neck, initial encounter
Used when the fracture in the right femoral neck is displaced. Applied during the initial visit for surgical or fracture management.
2. Intertrochanteric Fractures (Right Side)
Intertrochanteric fractures occur in the area between the femoral neck and the upper shaft of the femur. Codes indicate displacement, unspecified fractures, and the type of encounter, helping guide treatment and documentation.
S72.101A – Unspecified intertrochanteric fracture, initial encounter
Used when the intertrochanteric region of the right femur is fractured, but the exact type is not specified. Applied during the initial visit for fracture care.
S72.131A – Nondisplaced intertrochanteric fracture, initial encounter
Used when the intertrochanteric region of the right femur is fractured without displacement. Applied during the initial visit for fracture management.
S72.141A – Displaced intertrochanteric fracture, initial encounter
Used when the intertrochanteric region of the right femur is fractured and displaced. Applied during the initial encounter, often requiring surgical intervention.
S72.131D – Nondisplaced intertrochanteric fracture, subsequent encounter
Used when the patient returns for follow-up care after a nondisplaced intertrochanteric fracture.
S72.141D – Displaced intertrochanteric fracture, subsequent encounter
Used for follow-up care of a displaced intertrochanteric fracture.
S72.131S – Nondisplaced intertrochanteric fracture, sequela
Used for complications or residual effects after a healed nondisplaced fracture.
S72.141S – Displaced intertrochanteric fracture, sequela
Used for complications or long-term effects after a healed displaced fracture.
3. Subtrochanteric Fractures (Right Side)
Subtrochanteric fractures occur in the upper shaft of the femur below the trochanter. These fractures often require surgical intervention, and the codes indicate location, displacement, and type of encounter.
S72.201A – Unspecified subtrochanteric fracture, initial encounter
Used when the subtrochanteric region of the right femur is fractured but not specified. Applied during the initial visit for fracture care.
S72.221A – Nondisplaced subtrochanteric fracture, initial encounter
Used when the upper shaft of the right femur is fractured without displacement. Applied during the first visit for fracture management.
S72.231A – Displaced subtrochanteric fracture, initial encounter
Used when the subtrochanteric region of the right femur is fractured and displaced. Applied during the initial visit, often requiring surgery.
S72.221D – Nondisplaced subtrochanteric fracture, subsequent encounter
Used when the patient returns for follow-up care after a nondisplaced subtrochanteric fracture.
S72.231D – Displaced subtrochanteric fracture, subsequent encounter
Used for follow-up care after a displaced subtrochanteric fracture.
S72.221S – Nondisplaced subtrochanteric fracture, sequela
Used for complications or residual effects after healing of a nondisplaced fracture.
S72.231S – Displaced subtrochanteric fracture, sequela
Used for complications or residual effects after healing of a displaced fracture.
Accurate coding for fracture location, displacement, and encounter type helps the healthcare team to provide the right treatment and follow-up for better care.
Difference Between Initial, Subsequent, and Sequela Encounters
Right hip fracture codes vary depending on the stage of care. Initial encounter codes, such as S72.141A, are used while the patient is undergoing active treatment, regardless of whether the care is provided by the same or different providers. Subsequent encounter codes are applied once the fracture is healing routinely and follow-up care is being provided. Sequela codes are reserved for cases in which the patient presents with residual effects or complications after the fracture has healed.
Correct use of encounter designations ensures accurate tracking of the patient’s care and prevents improper code selection.
When Should S72.141A Be Used for Right Hip Fractures?
S72.141A should be used when documentation confirms a displaced intertrochanteric fracture of the right femur and the patient is receiving active treatment. This includes situations where the fracture is closed and managed surgically or nonsurgically during the acute phase. If displacement or fracture type is not clearly documented, coding may default to unspecified options, which can affect claim accuracy.
Documentation Requirements for Right Hip Fractures
1. Doctors should clearly note where the fracture is, which side is affected, and whether the bone has shifted.
2. Imaging, like X-rays or scans, should confirm the break, and it should be recorded if the fracture is open or closed.
3. It should be easy to identify the type of visit, whether it’s the first treatment, a follow-up, or care for any complications.
Clear documentation helps distinguish femoral neck, intertrochanteric, and subtrochanteric fractures and ensures the correct ICD-10 code for right hip fracture is used, supporting both claim management and effective patient care.
When Right Hip Fracture Codes Should Be Reported Separately
Right hip fracture codes describe breaks in specific parts of the femur. These codes should only be used when the injury involves a fracture and not another type of condition. For example, fracture codes are not used when the injury results in loss of part of the hip or thigh due to trauma, as this is classified differently.
Fractures that occur around an existing hip implant are also reported using separate codes and should not be grouped with standard hip or femur fracture codes. In addition, if a patient has fractures in other areas, such as the lower leg or foot, each injury must be documented and coded on its own.
Applying the correct code based on the injury location helps keep records accurate and supports appropriate billing.
Supporting Right Hip Fracture Documentation
Right hip fracture cases involve complex documentation, multiple providers, and careful ICD-10 coding to reflect fracture type, displacement, and encounter stage. Accurate coding is critical for proper claims processing and effective case management. Liberty Liens supports healthcare teams by managing medical liens and maintaining organized, detailed records throughout the patient’s care.
Their orthopedic medical billing services also help align documentation with current coding standards, reducing errors and streamlining claim submission. By coordinating coding, billing, and lien management, healthcare providers can focus on delivering quality patient care while ensuring that claims are submitted efficiently and reimbursement is optimized.
Conclusion
Accurate ICD-10 coding for right hip fractures is essential for proper documentation, effective patient care, and smooth claim processing. Correctly identifying fracture type, displacement, laterality, and encounter stage ensures precise records and supports appropriate treatment. Thorough documentation distinguishes femoral neck, intertrochanteric, and subtrochanteric fractures, helping healthcare teams track recovery, manage follow-up care, and maintain compliance. Following coding guidelines reduces errors, prevents claim issues, and promotes better outcomes for patients with a right hip fracture.
