{"id":181014,"date":"2026-08-17T09:19:23","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T09:19:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/?p=181014"},"modified":"2026-08-17T12:48:28","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T12:48:28","slug":"icd-10-code-s82251e","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/es\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/","title":{"rendered":"ICD-10 code S82.251E: Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of right tibia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"MedicalWebPage\",\"headline\":\"ICD-10 code S82.251E: Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of right tibia\",\"description\":\"ICD-10 code S82.251E (Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of right tibia, subsequent encounter for open fracture type I or II with routine healing). Billable, FY 2026 valid. Full 7th character table, coding guidelines, MS-DRG mapping, and documentation requirements.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/\",\"audience\":{\"@type\":\"MedicalAudience\",\"audienceType\":\"Clinician\"},\"reviewedBy\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Dr Vanja Kitanova\",\"jobTitle\":\"Medical Reviewer\",\"affiliation\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Pabau\"},\"knowsAbout\":[\"Medical Coding\",\"Clinical Documentation\",\"Healthcare Billing\",\"Clinical Safety\"],\"sameAs\":\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/author\/vanja\/\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-08\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-17\"}<\/script>\n\n\n        <div id=\"key_takeaways\">\n            <div class=\"header\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Key-Takeaways-Icon.svg\" alt=\"Key takeaways\" height=\"42\" width=\"42\">\n                                <h3>Key takeaways<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"list\">\n                                                            <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>ICD-10 code S82.251E covers a displaced comminuted fracture of the right tibial shaft at a subsequent encounter, open type I or II, healing routinely<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>The 7th character E signals routine healing, so the note must show the fracture is knitting as the physician expects<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>Malunion of the same fracture is coded S82.251Q, not S82.251E. Swapping the two is the most common error on these claims<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>The parent code S82.251 is not billable on its own, so every claim needs one of the 16 valid 7th characters<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>Practice management software like Pabau captures healing status inside the visit note, so coders pick the right 7th character first time<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ICD-10-CM code S82.251E reports a displaced comminuted fracture of the shaft of the right tibia at a subsequent encounter. The original fracture was open, Gustilo-Anderson type I or type II, and it is now healing routinely. The code is billable and valid for FY 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">E means routine healing. When the physician documents malunion instead, the code becomes S82.251Q. This article covers the full 7th character set, the documentation each one needs, and the reimbursement rules that follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"ICD-10 Revisions: Stay Updated or Fall Behind\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bqAyb-BCA0w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-s82-251e-code-details-at-a-glance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">S82.251E code details at a glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">S82.251E is a billable, specific ICD-10-CM diagnosis code accepted on UB-04 and CMS-1500 forms. The table below covers the facts coders need before submitting a claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Field<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Detail<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">ICD-10-CM code<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S82.251E<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Full description<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of right tibia, subsequent encounter for open fracture type I or II with routine healing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Short description<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Displ commnt fx shaft of r tibia, 7thE<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Billable \/ specific<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Yes, valid for reimbursement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Code system<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">ICD-10-CM (Clinical Modification)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Valid for<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">FY 2026 (October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Chapter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S00-T88: Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Block<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S80-S89: Injuries to the knee and lower leg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Parent code<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S82.251 (not billable without a 7th character)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Malunion equivalent<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S82.251Q (use when malunion is documented)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">POA reporting<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Exempt from present on admission reporting<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Claim forms<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">UB-04 and CMS-1500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practices managing orthopedic follow-up care can track S82.251E submissions through <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/features\/claims-management-software\/\">claims management software<\/a>. Every follow-up visit is billed under its own 7th character, so the letter changes as healing progresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pabau.com\/cdn\/attachments\/pulse\/content-engine\/diagnostic_codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/track-claims-from-start-to-finish.webp\" alt=\"Pabau claims management dashboard tracking claim status\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Pabau&#8217;s claims management tools follow every fracture claim from submission through payment, so a rejected 7th character surfaces early.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px;width:800px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-full-clinical-description-displaced-comminuted-fracture-of-shaft-of-right-tibia\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Full clinical description: Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of right tibia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The descriptor for S82.251E packs six clinical facts into one code. Each one has to be supported somewhere in the record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Displaced:<\/strong> The bone fragments have moved out of normal anatomical alignment. A nondisplaced comminuted fracture of the same bone maps to S82.254 instead.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Comminuted:<\/strong> The bone has broken into three or more fragments. High-energy trauma is the usual mechanism, such as a motor vehicle collision or a fall from height. For <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/industry\/physical-therapy-emr\/\">physical therapy EMR<\/a> practices, this pattern signals a longer rehabilitation pathway.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shaft of right tibia:<\/strong> The fracture involves the diaphysis, the mid-portion of the bone, on the right side. Laterality is coded explicitly, so the note has to confirm the right leg.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Subsequent encounter:<\/strong> Active treatment has finished and the patient is in aftercare. Cast changes, hardware checks, and follow-up imaging all count as subsequent encounters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Open fracture type I or II:<\/strong> The fracture broke the skin and was classified as Gustilo-Anderson type I or type II at initial treatment. Wound exploration at that visit is coded separately, for example under <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-20102\/\">CPT code 20102<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Routine healing:<\/strong> The fracture is knitting as the physician expects at this visit. No malunion, nonunion, or delayed union is documented.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miss any one of those six and either a different code applies or the note needs a query.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-the-7th-character-works-with-all-16-extensions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How the 7th character works, with all 16 extensions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">S82.251 is not billable on its own. Every code in the family needs a 7th character before a payer will accept it. The table below lists all 16 valid extensions, per the <a href=\"https:\/\/icd10cmtool.cdc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CDC\/NCHS ICD-10-CM tool<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">7th character<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Encounter type<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Healing status<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Initial encounter for closed fracture<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Not applicable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">B<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Initial encounter for open fracture type I or II<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Not applicable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">C<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Initial encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Not applicable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">D<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for closed fracture<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Routine healing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\"><strong>E<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>Subsequent encounter for open fracture type I or II<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>Routine healing<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">F<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Routine healing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">G<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for closed fracture<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Delayed healing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">H<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type I or II<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Delayed healing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">J<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Delayed healing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">K<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for closed fracture<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Nonunion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">M<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type I or II<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Nonunion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">N<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Nonunion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">P<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for closed fracture<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Malunion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Q<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type I or II<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Malunion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">R<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Malunion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Sequela<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Late effect of the fracture<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The set repeats in threes. For each healing status, the first letter is for closed fractures. The second covers open type I or II, and the third covers open type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-gustilo-anderson-type-i-and-type-ii-classification\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gustilo-Anderson type I and type II classification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Gustilo-Anderson system is the classification ICD-10-CM references for open fracture coding. Gustilo and Anderson published the original three-type version in the <em>Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery<\/em> in 1976.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The type IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC subdivision in the table below came later. Gustilo, Mendoza, and Williams added it in the <em>Journal of Trauma<\/em> in 1984. The split between type I\/II and type III decides which 7th character applies at every encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Type<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Wound size<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Contamination<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Soft tissue damage<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">ICD-10 7th character (routine healing)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\"><strong>Type I<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>Less than 1 cm<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>Minimal<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>Minimal<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>B (initial), E (subsequent)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\"><strong>Type II<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>1 to 10 cm<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>Moderate<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>Moderate<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>B (initial), E (subsequent)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Type IIIA<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Greater than 10 cm<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">High<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Extensive, adequate coverage<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">C (initial), F (subsequent)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Type IIIB<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Greater than 10 cm<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">High<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Extensive, periosteal stripping, flap required<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">C (initial), F (subsequent)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Type IIIC<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Any<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Any<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Vascular injury requiring repair<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">C (initial), F (subsequent)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Type IIIC turns on vascular injury rather than wound size. A documented <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/circulation-assessment\/\">circulation assessment<\/a> at the initial visit is what separates it from type IIIB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Critical coding rule:<\/strong> The Gustilo-Anderson type carries forward unchanged. Coders cannot upgrade or downgrade the classification between visits. If the initial encounter used B, a routine-healing follow-up uses E. If it used C, the follow-up uses F.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-routine-healing-what-it-means-and-what-the-note-must-show\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Routine healing: What it means and what the note must show<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Routine healing means the fracture is progressing as the treating physician expects. No healing complication is documented at the visit. Imaging typically shows callus forming on schedule with alignment holding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three other healing statuses each take a different 7th character:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Delayed healing:<\/strong> Union is progressing more slowly than expected, coded G, H, or J.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nonunion:<\/strong> The fracture has not united at all, coded K, M, or N.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Malunion:<\/strong> The fracture healed in a position the physician judges unsatisfactory, coded P, Q, or R.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For this fracture and this open-fracture type, malunion is S82.251Q. E and Q sit next to each other in most coding tools, so they get swapped. The two letters describe opposite clinical outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The physician owns the healing status. A coder cannot read a radiology report and decide that healing is routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-coding-guidelines-when-to-use-icd-10-code-s82-251e\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Coding guidelines: When to use ICD-10 code S82.251E<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">S82.251E is correct only when all five of these conditions hold at the encounter you are coding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Active treatment for the fracture is over. The patient is in aftercare, monitoring, or follow-up rather than acute surgical care.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The original fracture was open and classified as Gustilo-Anderson type I or type II.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The physician records that healing is routine, with no malunion, nonunion, or delayed union.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The fracture involves the shaft, or diaphysis, of the right tibia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The original operative or radiology report describes the fracture as displaced and comminuted.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Per the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines, the 7th character follows the provider\u2019s documentation of the encounter. Subsequent encounter codes cover every visit after active treatment ends. That includes cast changes, hardware removal, medication adjustments, and follow-up X-rays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Claim submission through <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/hipaa-compliance-software\/\">HIPAA-compliant coding workflows<\/a> depends on the encounter type being captured in the note first. The same letter logic runs through every fracture family in ICD-10-CM. <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s42302k\/\">S42.302K<\/a> applies a nonunion extension to a humerus shaft fracture under the same rules.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"pro_tip\">\n            <div class=\"img\">\n                <svg width=\"42\" height=\"42\" viewBox=\"0 0 42 42\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M12.6383 19.5238C12.6632 21.2071 12.8734 22.9926 12.0685 24.5523C11.0341 26.8917 8.45076 28.169 7.56292 30.5918C6.63082 33.1061 7.19505 36.185 9.31371 37.9786C10.929 39.5678 13.4183 39.9873 15.6061 39.5463C17.4592 39.073 19.1049 37.8388 19.9706 36.1608C20.781 34.7141 20.7866 32.9904 20.5293 31.3985C20.1006 29.3092 18.3775 27.8705 16.9807 26.362C14.8814 24.1005 14.6684 20.6854 15.595 17.8915C16.4331 15.4768 19.0026 14.2344 20.0425 11.9461C20.7202 10.6769 20.7506 9.20327 20.6068 7.81304C20.1864 5.40098 18.3139 3.23631 15.8716 2.56674C13.9742 2.03969 11.8224 2.30052 10.1739 3.37614C8.70522 4.34688 7.5878 5.86618 7.28356 7.58178C6.76081 9.82981 7.53525 12.2822 9.20307 13.9118C10.7658 15.4741 12.4806 17.2273 12.6383 19.5238Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M22.7048 19.8387C22.6822 22.3279 24.4507 24.6234 26.7493 25.4682C28.0531 25.961 29.4725 25.9183 30.7989 25.5487C32.0575 24.9955 33.301 24.2237 34.0069 23.0092C34.8384 21.5811 35.2982 19.8286 34.7832 18.2094C34.3611 16.2507 32.8739 14.6541 31.0275 13.9426C28.6736 12.9595 25.8073 13.7942 24.1719 15.7001C23.2022 16.8366 22.6143 18.3326 22.7048 19.8387Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"text\">\n                <h3>Pro Tip<\/h3>\n                <p>Pull up the initial encounter note before you assign S82.251E. Confirm the original code carried 7th character B for an open fracture type I or II. Then confirm the current note says healing is routine rather than delayed, nonunion, or malunion. A mismatch between the initial and subsequent classifications is one of the most common reasons these claims fail on audit.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-ms-drg-mapping-and-reimbursement\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">MS-DRG mapping and reimbursement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On an inpatient claim, S82.251E groups to the aftercare MS-DRGs for the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue. The 7th character drives that placement, because the encounter is follow-up care rather than active treatment. The table below shows the three groupings under MS-DRG v43.0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">MS-DRG<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Description<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">MCC \/ CC status<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">559<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Aftercare, musculoskeletal system and connective tissue with MCC<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">With MCC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">560<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Aftercare, musculoskeletal system and connective tissue with CC<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">With CC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">561<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Aftercare, musculoskeletal system and connective tissue without CC\/MCC<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Without CC\/MCC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Relative weights are reset every fiscal year, so confirm the current figures against the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cms.gov\/medicare\/coding-billing\/icd-10-codes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CMS ICD-10 coding guidelines<\/a> for FY 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two reimbursement details are worth knowing. S82.251E is exempt from present on admission reporting, so no POA indicator is required. Routine-healing follow-up visits are also usually outpatient, which means the DRG grouping only comes into play when the patient is admitted for another reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A wrong 7th character can come back as a denial weeks after the visit. A <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/denial-management-in-healthcare\/\">denial management<\/a> process built around your most-billed fracture codes catches that pattern early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-related-and-sibling-icd-10-codes-for-s82-251\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related and sibling ICD-10 codes for S82.251<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The S82.25 subcategory covers comminuted fractures of the tibial shaft. Displacement and laterality are set by the 5th and 6th characters, and the 7th sets encounter type and healing status. Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aapc.com\/codes\/icd-10-codes-range\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">AAPC Codify ICD-10-CM lookup<\/a> to check a sibling before you submit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Code<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Description<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Laterality<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Billable<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S82.251<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of right tibia (parent, requires a 7th character)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Right<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S82.252<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of left tibia (parent, requires a 7th character)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Left<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S82.253<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of unspecified tibia (parent, requires a 7th character)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Unspecified<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S82.254<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Nondisplaced comminuted fracture of shaft of right tibia (parent, requires a 7th character)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Right<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\"><strong>S82.251E<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>Displaced comminuted fracture, right tibia shaft, subsequent encounter, open type I or II, routine healing<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>Right<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>Yes<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S82.252E<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Displaced comminuted fracture, left tibia shaft, subsequent encounter, open type I or II, routine healing<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Left<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S82.251Q<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Displaced comminuted fracture, right tibia shaft, subsequent encounter, open type I or II, malunion<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Right<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sibling table above stops at encounter and healing-status codes. Sequela codes work differently, and <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s66399s\/\">S66.399S<\/a> shows that extension at work in another injury family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-s82-251e-vs-s82-251a-and-other-commonly-confused-codes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">S82.251E vs. S82.251A and other commonly confused codes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reach for the table below when a tibia fracture follow-up claim comes back rejected. Two errors account for most of them. The first is assigning S82.251A at a post-surgical follow-up visit. The second is picking E when the note documents malunion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Code<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Encounter<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Open or closed<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Healing status<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Documentation trigger<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S82.251A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Initial<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Closed<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Not applicable<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">First encounter for active treatment of a closed fracture<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S82.251B<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Initial<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Open type I or II<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Not applicable<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">First encounter for active treatment of an open type I or II fracture<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S82.251D<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Closed<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Routine healing<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Aftercare visit, closed fracture healing as expected<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\"><strong>S82.251E<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>Subsequent<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>Open type I or II<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>Routine healing<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\"><strong>Aftercare visit, original fracture open type I or II, healing as expected<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S82.251H<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Open type I or II<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Delayed healing<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Union slower than expected, original fracture open type I or II<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S82.251M<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Open type I or II<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Nonunion<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Fracture has failed to unite, original fracture open type I or II<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S82.251Q<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Open type I or II<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Malunion<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Physician documents malunion, original fracture open type I or II<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-documentation-requirements-for-s82-251e\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Documentation requirements for S82.251E<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thin documentation is the main reason S82.251E claims fail audit. Every element of the descriptor has to appear in the record. Coder inference does not count under the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two records matter here: The original injury note and the current visit note. <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/features\/patient-intake-software\/\">Digital clinical forms<\/a> with structured fields for laterality, fracture pattern, and healing status keep both of them complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pabau.com\/cdn\/attachments\/pulse\/content-engine\/diagnostic_codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/digital-forms.webp\" alt=\"Pabau digital clinical forms with structured fields\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Pabau&#8217;s digital forms prompt clinicians for laterality, fracture pattern, and healing status before the visit closes.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px;width:800px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>From the original injury note:<\/strong> Confirmation that the fracture was displaced and comminuted. The record also has to show it was open and classified as Gustilo-Anderson type I or type II.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Laterality, in both notes:<\/strong> The right tibia has to be named. If a note says left or bilateral, a different code applies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Healing status, in the current note:<\/strong> A statement that healing is routine or progressing as expected. Wording such as \u201chealing well\u201d or \u201ccallus formation on schedule\u201d supports E.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Encounter status:<\/strong> The note has to show active treatment has ended and this visit is aftercare or monitoring.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Author of the classification:<\/strong> The Gustilo-Anderson type and the healing status must come from the treating physician or surgeon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practices that <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/features\/medical-records-management\/\">manage clinical records<\/a> through structured templates spend less time chasing physicians for missing detail. A follow-up template that prompts for healing status, laterality, and fracture classification answers all three questions up front. Templates built from <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/medical-forms-at-your-healthcare-practice\/\">structured medical forms<\/a> can carry those prompts as required fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pabau.com\/cdn\/attachments\/pulse\/content-engine\/diagnostic_codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/comprehensive-emr-patient-record-management.webp\" alt=\"Comprehensive EMR and patient record management in Pabau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Pabau&#8217;s patient records keep the original injury note and every follow-up visit together, so the 7th character stays defensible on audit.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px;width:800px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the record is thin, query the physician rather than assume. Assigning S82.251E with no documented healing status is a compliance exposure under payer audit criteria. A <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/clean-claim\/\">clean claim<\/a> depends on what the note already says.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"pro_tip\">\n            <div class=\"img\">\n                <svg width=\"42\" height=\"42\" viewBox=\"0 0 42 42\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M12.6383 19.5238C12.6632 21.2071 12.8734 22.9926 12.0685 24.5523C11.0341 26.8917 8.45076 28.169 7.56292 30.5918C6.63082 33.1061 7.19505 36.185 9.31371 37.9786C10.929 39.5678 13.4183 39.9873 15.6061 39.5463C17.4592 39.073 19.1049 37.8388 19.9706 36.1608C20.781 34.7141 20.7866 32.9904 20.5293 31.3985C20.1006 29.3092 18.3775 27.8705 16.9807 26.362C14.8814 24.1005 14.6684 20.6854 15.595 17.8915C16.4331 15.4768 19.0026 14.2344 20.0425 11.9461C20.7202 10.6769 20.7506 9.20327 20.6068 7.81304C20.1864 5.40098 18.3139 3.23631 15.8716 2.56674C13.9742 2.03969 11.8224 2.30052 10.1739 3.37614C8.70522 4.34688 7.5878 5.86618 7.28356 7.58178C6.76081 9.82981 7.53525 12.2822 9.20307 13.9118C10.7658 15.4741 12.4806 17.2273 12.6383 19.5238Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M22.7048 19.8387C22.6822 22.3279 24.4507 24.6234 26.7493 25.4682C28.0531 25.961 29.4725 25.9183 30.7989 25.5487C32.0575 24.9955 33.301 24.2237 34.0069 23.0092C34.8384 21.5811 35.2982 19.8286 34.7832 18.2094C34.3611 16.2507 32.8739 14.6541 31.0275 13.9426C28.6736 12.9595 25.8073 13.7942 24.1719 15.7001C23.2022 16.8366 22.6143 18.3326 22.7048 19.8387Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"text\">\n                <h3>Pro Tip<\/h3>\n                <p>Add a four-line prompt to the top of your fracture follow-up template. Confirm laterality, reference the original Gustilo-Anderson type, state the current healing status, and note whether active treatment has ended. Healing status has only four options \u2014 routine, delayed, nonunion, or malunion \u2014 so picking one takes the clinician seconds. That single prompt removes most 7th character selection errors.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-common-coding-errors-and-how-to-avoid-them\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common coding errors and how to avoid them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Five errors account for most S82.251E rejections. Each one has a quick check attached to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Using E when the note documents malunion.<\/strong> Malunion of this fracture is S82.251Q. Read the healing status word in the note before you pick the letter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Using E for a fracture that was closed.<\/strong> Routine healing after a closed tibial shaft fracture is S82.251D. E is reserved for fractures that were open type I or II.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Using E at the initial encounter.<\/strong> Active treatment of an open type I or II fracture takes B. E applies only once that treatment is complete.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Changing the Gustilo-Anderson type at follow-up.<\/strong> A fracture first classified type IIIB stays type III. Routine healing then takes F rather than E.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Submitting S82.251 with no 7th character.<\/strong> The parent code is rejected as non-specific. Every claim needs one of the 16 valid extensions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-pabau-supports-accurate-fracture-coding\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Pabau supports accurate fracture coding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coding accuracy is decided in the exam room. A coder working two weeks later can only use what the note already says. Practice management software like Pabau attaches the diagnosis code inside the clinical workflow, while the patient is still in front of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That matters most in <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/industry\/sports-medicine-software\/\">sports medicine practices<\/a>, where one patient can run through a dozen follow-up visits on a single injury. Each visit carries its own 7th character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Structured clinical notes:<\/strong> Pabau\u2019s digital clinical forms can prompt for laterality, Gustilo-Anderson type, and healing status. The elements S82.251E needs are captured before the encounter closes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Full encounter history:<\/strong> Pabau\u2019s structured patient records keep the original injury note on file. The initial 7th character stays visible months later, when you code the follow-up.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Claims that carry the code through:<\/strong> Once the code is attached in the record, claims management takes it to submission without re-keying. That removes the transcription slips that turn an E into a Q.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>HIPAA-compliant submission:<\/strong> S82.251E is valid for HIPAA-covered transactions, and Pabau supports compliant transmission end to end. See <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/hipaa-compliance\/\">Pabau\u2019s HIPAA compliance page<\/a> for the detail.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Documentation and billing work best as one workflow. The healing status, the encounter type, and the code then all come out of the same record.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"book_a_demo\">\n            <div class=\"left-side\">\n                <div class=\"logo\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\"\n                        src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Logo.svg\"\n                        alt=\"Logo\"\n                        loading=\"lazy\"\n                    \/>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <h3 class=\"heading\">\n                    Capture the right 7th character at the point of care                <\/h3>\n\n                <p class=\"description\">\n                    Pabau prompts clinicians for laterality, fracture type, and healing status at every visit. The code is right before the claim leaves your practice. See how it works.                <\/p>\n\n                <div class=\"button-group\">\n                    <a href=\"\/book-demo\/\" class=\"btn btn-scale-effect btn-cta-color btn-md\">\n                        <span class=\"btn-text\">Book a demo<\/span>\n                        <div class=\"btn-icon btn-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                            <svg\n                                width=\"14\"\n                                height=\"12\"\n                                viewBox=\"0 0 14 12\"\n                                fill=\"none\"\n                                xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\n                            >\n                                <path\n                                    d=\"M0.75 4.77295C0.335786 4.77295 0 5.10874 0 5.52295C0 5.93716 0.335786 6.27295 0.75 6.27295V5.52295V4.77295ZM13.2803 6.05328C13.5732 5.76039 13.5732 5.28551 13.2803 4.99262L8.50736 0.219648C8.21447 -0.073245 7.73959 -0.073245 7.4467 0.219648C7.15381 0.512542 7.15381 0.987415 7.4467 1.28031L11.6893 5.52295L7.4467 9.76559C7.15381 10.0585 7.15381 10.5334 7.4467 10.8263C7.73959 11.1191 8.21447 11.1191 8.50736 10.8263L13.2803 6.05328ZM0.75 5.52295V6.27295L12.75 6.27295V5.52295V4.77295L0.75 4.77295V5.52295Z\"\n                                    fill=\"currentColor\"\n                                ><\/path>\n                            <\/svg>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"right-side\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\"\n                    src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Home-Page-Concept-4.webp\"\n                    alt=\"Pabau clinical documentation supporting accurate ICD-10 coding\"\n                    loading=\"lazy\"\n                \/>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pull the initial encounter note before you assign S82.251E. That one habit settles the open-fracture type, the encounter status, and the healing status in a single read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The trade-off worth remembering is where the risk sits. A wrong 7th character passes every clinical check in the practice, because the care itself was correct. It gets caught by a payer, weeks later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Build the healing-status prompt into your follow-up template and the letter takes care of itself. To see how structured clinical documentation works in practice, <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/book-demo\/\">book a demo<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"expert_picks\">\n            <div class=\"header\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Expert-Picks.svg\" alt=\"Continue your research\" height=\"42\" width=\"42\">\n                                <h3>Continue your research<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"content\">\n                                                            <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Coding a fracture that has not united?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s42302k\/\">S42.302K<\/a> walks through the nonunion extension on a humerus shaft fracture.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Checking limb perfusion after an open fracture?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/circulation-assessment\/\">Circulation assessment<\/a> sets out the parameters and the wording that holds up in the record.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Submitting fracture claims through a third party?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/medical-claims-clearinghouse\/\">Medical claims clearinghouse<\/a> explains the scrubbing that happens before a payer sees your claim.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Documenting a knee exam at follow-up?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/posterolateral-drawer-test\/\">Posterolateral drawer test<\/a> covers the technique, the grading, and the pitfalls to avoid.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Billing nurse visits during aftercare?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/hcpcs-code-g0162\/\">HCPCS code G0162<\/a> covers registered nurse management of a home health plan of care.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786952218376\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What does ICD-10 code S82.251E mean?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">S82.251E is a billable ICD-10-CM code for a displaced comminuted fracture of the shaft of the right tibia. It applies at a subsequent encounter, where the original fracture was open Gustilo-Anderson type I or type II and healing is routine. The code is valid for FY 2026 on UB-04 and CMS-1500 claims.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786952218377\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is S82.251E a billable ICD-10 code?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, S82.251E is a billable and specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY 2026. The parent code S82.251 is not billable on its own. Every code in the S82.251 family needs a 7th character extension before a payer will accept the claim.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786952218378\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the difference between open fracture type I and type II in ICD-10 coding?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Type I open fractures have a wound under 1 cm with minimal contamination. Type II wounds run 1 to 10 cm with moderate contamination and soft tissue damage. Both share the same 7th characters, B at the initial encounter and E for a subsequent encounter with routine healing. Type IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC fractures use C and F instead.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786952218379\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">When should S82.251E be used instead of S82.251A?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">S82.251A covers the initial encounter for a closed fracture during active treatment. S82.251E applies at follow-up visits after active treatment ends, when the original fracture was open type I or II and healing is routine. Using S82.251A at a post-surgical follow-up visit is a coding error that often triggers a payer audit.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786952218380\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Which ICD-10 code covers malunion of this tibia fracture?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Malunion of a displaced comminuted right tibial shaft fracture that was open type I or II is S82.251Q. S82.251E cannot be used, because it describes routine healing. A closed fracture with malunion takes S82.251P, and an open type III fracture takes S82.251R.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786952218381\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the coding guidelines for subsequent encounter fracture codes?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Per the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines, subsequent encounter codes cover every visit after active treatment ends. That includes follow-up X-rays, cast changes, hardware removal, and management of healing complications. The 7th character has to reflect the original open or closed status and the healing status the physician documents at that visit.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ICD-10-CM code S82.251E reports a displaced comminuted fracture of the shaft of the right tibia at a subsequent encounter. The original fracture was open, Gustilo-Anderson type I or type II, and it is now healing routinely. The code is billable and valid for FY 2026. E means routine healing. When the physician documents malunion instead, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":181013,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":"84","_yoast_wpseo_content_score":"30","_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"[\"\",\"\",\"\",\"\"]","_yoast_wpseo_focuskw_text_input":"","_seo_original_html":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1549,1550,1125,1126],"tags":[2775,1163,2508,1666,3271],"class_list":["post-181014","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diagnostic-codes","category-icd-10-cm","category-musculoskeletal-pain-management","category-physical-therapy","tag-fracture-management","tag-medical-billing","tag-medical-coding","tag-orthopedic-billing","tag-orthopedic-trauma"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.2 (Yoast SEO v28.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>ICD-10 code S82.251E: Right tibia, routine healing (FY 2026)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"S82.251E fits a right tibia shaft fracture healing routinely after an open type I or II injury. Malunion takes S82.251Q instead.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/es\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_ES\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"ICD-10 code S82.251E: Right tibia, routine healing (FY 2026)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"S82.251E fits a right tibia shaft fracture healing routinely after an open type I or II injury. Malunion takes S82.251Q instead.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/es\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Pabau\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Pabau\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-08-17T09:19:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-17T12:48:28+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/icd-10-code-s82251e.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Maja Popovska\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@pabaucrm\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@pabaucrm\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Escrito por\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Maja Popovska\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Tiempo de lectura\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutos\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Maja Popovska\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b00aec1dd379f0ddcf6137d78e2a21db\"},\"headline\":\"ICD-10 code S82.251E: Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of right tibia\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-17T09:19:23+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-17T12:48:28+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":3021,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e.webp\",\"keywords\":[\"Fracture management\",\"Medical Billing\",\"Medical Coding\",\"Orthopedic Billing\",\"Orthopedic trauma\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Diagnostic Codes\",\"ICD-10-CM\",\"Musculoskeletal &amp; Pain Management\",\"Physical Therapy\"],\"inLanguage\":\"es\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e\\\/\",\"name\":\"ICD-10 code S82.251E: Right tibia, routine healing (FY 2026)\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-17T09:19:23+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-17T12:48:28+00:00\",\"description\":\"S82.251E fits a right tibia shaft fracture healing routinely after an open type I or II injury. 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It combines scheduling, electronic health records, clinical forms, payments, marketing automation, reporting, and patient engagement tools into one secure cloud system to help practices streamline operations and grow their business.\",\"foundingDate\":\"2011-10-20\",\"numberOfEmployees\":{\"@type\":\"QuantitativeValue\",\"minValue\":\"201\",\"maxValue\":\"500\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b00aec1dd379f0ddcf6137d78e2a21db\",\"name\":\"Maja Popovska\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/cropped-Maja-Popovska_WP-1-96x96.jpeg\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/cropped-Maja-Popovska_WP-1-96x96.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/cropped-Maja-Popovska_WP-1-96x96.jpeg\",\"caption\":\"Maja Popovska\"},\"description\":\"Maja is a Senior Content Writer at Pabau, where she covers everything from practice management and compliance to medical aesthetics and patient experience. Off the clock: binging true crime docuseries, baking and dreaming about travel.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/maja-popovska\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e\\\/#faq-question-1786952218376\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e\\\/#faq-question-1786952218376\",\"name\":\"What does ICD-10 code S82.251E mean?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"S82.251E is a billable ICD-10-CM code for a displaced comminuted fracture of the shaft of the right tibia. It applies at a subsequent encounter, where the original fracture was open Gustilo-Anderson type I or type II and healing is routine. The code is valid for FY 2026 on UB-04 and CMS-1500 claims.\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\"},\"inLanguage\":\"es\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e\\\/#faq-question-1786952218377\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e\\\/#faq-question-1786952218377\",\"name\":\"Is S82.251E a billable ICD-10 code?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, S82.251E is a billable and specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY 2026. The parent code S82.251 is not billable on its own. Every code in the S82.251 family needs a 7th character extension before a payer will accept the claim.\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\"},\"inLanguage\":\"es\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e\\\/#faq-question-1786952218378\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e\\\/#faq-question-1786952218378\",\"name\":\"What is the difference between open fracture type I and type II in ICD-10 coding?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Type I open fractures have a wound under 1 cm with minimal contamination. Type II wounds run 1 to 10 cm with moderate contamination and soft tissue damage. Both share the same 7th characters, B at the initial encounter and E for a subsequent encounter with routine healing. Type IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC fractures use C and F instead.\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\"},\"inLanguage\":\"es\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e\\\/#faq-question-1786952218379\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e\\\/#faq-question-1786952218379\",\"name\":\"When should S82.251E be used instead of S82.251A?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"S82.251A covers the initial encounter for a closed fracture during active treatment. S82.251E applies at follow-up visits after active treatment ends, when the original fracture was open type I or II and healing is routine. Using S82.251A at a post-surgical follow-up visit is a coding error that often triggers a payer audit.\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\"},\"inLanguage\":\"es\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e\\\/#faq-question-1786952218380\",\"position\":5,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/es\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s82251e\\\/#faq-question-1786952218380\",\"name\":\"Which ICD-10 code covers malunion of this tibia fracture?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Malunion of a displaced comminuted right tibial shaft fracture that was open type I or II is S82.251Q. S82.251E cannot be used, because it describes routine healing. 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Off the clock: binging true crime docuseries, baking and dreaming about travel.","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/es\/blog\/author\/maja-popovska\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/es\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/#faq-question-1786952218376","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/es\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/#faq-question-1786952218376","name":"What does ICD-10 code S82.251E mean?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"S82.251E is a billable ICD-10-CM code for a displaced comminuted fracture of the shaft of the right tibia. It applies at a subsequent encounter, where the original fracture was open Gustilo-Anderson type I or type II and healing is routine. The code is valid for FY 2026 on UB-04 and CMS-1500 claims.","inLanguage":"es"},"inLanguage":"es"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/es\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/#faq-question-1786952218377","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/es\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/#faq-question-1786952218377","name":"Is S82.251E a billable ICD-10 code?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, S82.251E is a billable and specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY 2026. The parent code S82.251 is not billable on its own. Every code in the S82.251 family needs a 7th character extension before a payer will accept the claim.","inLanguage":"es"},"inLanguage":"es"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/es\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/#faq-question-1786952218378","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/es\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/#faq-question-1786952218378","name":"What is the difference between open fracture type I and type II in ICD-10 coding?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Type I open fractures have a wound under 1 cm with minimal contamination. Type II wounds run 1 to 10 cm with moderate contamination and soft tissue damage. Both share the same 7th characters, B at the initial encounter and E for a subsequent encounter with routine healing. Type IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC fractures use C and F instead.","inLanguage":"es"},"inLanguage":"es"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/es\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/#faq-question-1786952218379","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/es\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/#faq-question-1786952218379","name":"When should S82.251E be used instead of S82.251A?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"S82.251A covers the initial encounter for a closed fracture during active treatment. S82.251E applies at follow-up visits after active treatment ends, when the original fracture was open type I or II and healing is routine. Using S82.251A at a post-surgical follow-up visit is a coding error that often triggers a payer audit.","inLanguage":"es"},"inLanguage":"es"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/es\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/#faq-question-1786952218380","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/es\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/#faq-question-1786952218380","name":"Which ICD-10 code covers malunion of this tibia fracture?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Malunion of a displaced comminuted right tibial shaft fracture that was open type I or II is S82.251Q. S82.251E cannot be used, because it describes routine healing. A closed fracture with malunion takes S82.251P, and an open type III fracture takes S82.251R.","inLanguage":"es"},"inLanguage":"es"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/es\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/#faq-question-1786952218381","position":6,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/es\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s82251e\/#faq-question-1786952218381","name":"What are the coding guidelines for subsequent encounter fracture codes?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Per the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines, subsequent encounter codes cover every visit after active treatment ends. That includes follow-up X-rays, cast changes, hardware removal, and management of healing complications. The 7th character has to reflect the original open or closed status and the healing status the physician documents at that visit.","inLanguage":"es"},"inLanguage":"es"}]}},"yoast":{"focus_keyword":"ICD-10 code S82.251E","seo_title":"ICD-10 code S82.251E: Right tibia, routine healing (FY 2026)","meta_description":"S82.251E fits a right tibia shaft fracture healing routinely after an open type I or II injury. 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