{"id":174721,"date":"2026-08-10T14:45:09","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T14:45:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/?p=174721"},"modified":"2026-08-17T12:04:53","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T12:04:53","slug":"icd-10-code-s52389a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52389a\/","title":{"rendered":"ICD-10 code S52.389A: Bent bone of unspecified radius"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"MedicalWebPage\",\"headline\":\"ICD-10 code S52.389A: Bent bone of unspecified radius, initial encounter\",\"description\":\"ICD-10 code S52.389A covers a bent bone of the unspecified radius, initial encounter for closed fracture. Reference guide for coders and clinicians.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52389a\/\",\"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\":\"2026-08-10\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-10\"}<\/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 S52.389A describes a bent bone fracture of the unspecified radius at the initial encounter for a closed 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=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>The code is billable and valid for the 2026 ICD-10-CM year, effective October 1, 2025.<\/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>Use S52.381A for the right radius or S52.382A for the left whenever the record documents the side.<\/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>Reserve S52.389A for encounters where laterality is genuinely absent from every available note and imaging report.<\/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 ties the code you assign to the clinical note behind it, so fewer fracture claims come back.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ICD-10 code S52.389A is the billable diagnosis code for a bent bone of the unspecified radius, initial encounter for closed fracture. A bent bone fracture, also called plastic bowing, is a permanent bend with no break through the cortex. The word unspecified refers to laterality, not to the fracture type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bowing fractures of the forearm are most common in pediatric patients, whose radius bends before it breaks. Coding the encounter correctly matters for reimbursement and for tracking the injury through subsequent and sequela visits.<\/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-icd-10-code-s52-389a-quick-reference-and-code-details\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">ICD-10 code S52.389A: quick reference and code details<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The table below summarizes the properties of S52.389A as published in the 2026 ICD-10-CM Official Tabular List, effective October 1, 2025.<\/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\">Property<\/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\">Code<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S52.389A<\/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\">Bent bone of unspecified radius, initial encounter for closed fracture<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\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 and HIPAA-covered transactions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Effective date<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">October 1, 2025 (2026 ICD-10-CM edition)<\/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 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, 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\">Parent code<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S52.389, bent bone of unspecified radius<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">7th character<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">A, initial encounter for closed fracture<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-a-bent-bone-fracture-of-the-radius\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a bent bone fracture of the radius?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A bent bone fracture is a permanent bend in the bone with the cortex still intact all the way around. It is also called a plastic bowing fracture. The radius keeps its structural continuity while it deforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That intact cortex is what separates bowing from two lookalikes. A greenstick fracture breaks one cortex. A complete transverse fracture breaks both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mechanism is predominantly pediatric. Children&rsquo;s bones hold more collagen and less mineral density, so the radius has enough elasticity to bow without snapping. Falls onto an outstretched hand, direct forearm impact, and loading during contact sports are the usual causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Orthopedic and sports medicine practices see these injuries in waves through the youth sports calendar. That volume is where an unspecified code quietly becomes the default.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The unspecified designation in S52.389A points at laterality alone. When the record does not say whether the injured radius is right or left, S52.389A is the correct assignment. Code to the highest specificity the documentation supports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Plastic bowing fracture:<\/strong> permanent bending with no cortical breach.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Greenstick fracture (S52.31x):<\/strong> one cortex breaks, so a different code family applies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Torus (buckle) fracture:<\/strong> cortical buckling at the metaphysis, a different mechanism and a different code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Complete fracture:<\/strong> both cortices disrupted, coded from a separate family.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-s52-389a-code-hierarchy-and-classification\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where S52.389A sits in the code hierarchy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ICD-10-CM organizes codes as a breadcrumb, from the broad chapter down to the billable code. Walking that chain confirms S52.389A is the most precise option available for the documented encounter. Neighboring radius codes such as <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52514g\/\">S52.514G<\/a> sit under the same category and follow the same structure.<\/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\">Level<\/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\">Code \/ Range<\/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<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Chapter 19<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S00-T88<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">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\">S50-S59<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Injuries to the elbow and forearm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Category<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S52<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Fracture of forearm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Subcategory<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S52.3<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Fracture of shaft of radius<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Code group<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S52.38<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Bent bone of radius<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Parent code<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S52.389<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Bent bone of unspecified radius<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Specific code<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S52.389A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Bent bone of unspecified radius, initial encounter for closed fracture<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-7th-character-extensions-for-s52-389\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">7th character extensions for S52.389<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 7th character is mandatory on every S52 fracture code. It identifies the encounter type and, for subsequent encounters, the healing status. A code submitted without it is not billable. The complete extension set for S52.389 appears below, per the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cms.gov\/medicare\/coding-billing\/icd-10-codes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CMS ICD-10 codes page<\/a> and the ICD-10-CM Official Tabular List.<\/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\">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\">Description<\/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\">S52.389A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Initial encounter for 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\">S52.389B<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">B<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Initial encounter for open fracture 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\">S52.389C<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">C<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Initial encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S52.389D<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">D<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for closed fracture 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\">S52.389E<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">E<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type I or II with routine 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\">S52.389F<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">F<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC 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\">S52.389G<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">G<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for closed fracture with 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\">S52.389H<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">H<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type I or II with delayed healing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S52.389J<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">J<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with 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\">S52.389K<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">K<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for closed fracture with nonunion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S52.389M<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">M<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type I or II with 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\">S52.389N<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">N<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with nonunion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S52.389P<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">P<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for closed fracture with 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\">S52.389Q<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Q<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type I or II with malunion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S52.389R<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">R<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with 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\">S52.389S<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Sequela<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ten of those 16 characters describe open fractures. Plastic bowing is almost always closed, so A, D, G, K, P, and S cover nearly every claim you will code. The open-fracture characters still matter when a bowing injury carries a wound down to bone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In that situation the Gustilo classification decides the choice. Type I or II wounds take the B, E, H, M, or Q characters. Type IIIA to IIIC wounds take C, F, J, N, or R.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Initial encounter, character A, covers every visit in the active treatment phase, not only the first appointment. A casting review two weeks after diagnosis is still an initial encounter while treatment is active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once active management ends and the visit is for healing evaluation, move to the matching subsequent-encounter character. Every other forearm code works the same way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For practices seeing fracture patients across several visits.<\/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-s52389a\/comprehensive-emr-patient-record-management.webp\" alt=\"Comprehensive EMR and patient record management in Pabau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Pabau&rsquo;s patient records hold every fracture visit, its imaging notes, and the 7th character you assigned, on one timeline.<\/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-s52-389a-vs-related-laterality-codes\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">S52.389A vs related laterality codes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ICD-10-CM requires coders to capture laterality whenever the record documents it. S52.389A belongs only to encounters where the injured side is genuinely undocumented. Using it when the chart clearly says right or left is a coding error and an audit flag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/icd10cmtool.cdc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CDC ICD-10-CM web tool<\/a> lists the laterality family for the S52.38 group, which runs to three codes rather than two.<\/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\">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\">When to use<\/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\">S52.381A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Right radius<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Documentation clearly states right forearm or right radius<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S52.382A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Left radius<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Documentation clearly states left forearm or left radius<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S52.389A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Unspecified radius<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Laterality is absent from every note. Query the clinician before defaulting here<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\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>Before assigning S52.389A, query the treating clinician or open the imaging report. X-ray labels, cast notes, and post-reduction reports almost always specify left or right. Amending the claim to S52.381A or S52.382A now avoids a payer query later.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-synonyms-and-alternate-diagnostic-terms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Synonyms and alternate diagnostic terms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clinicians document bowing injuries under several interchangeable terms. Recognize all of them, and confirm each one maps to S52.389A or a laterality-specific variant before you assign the code. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aapc.com\/codes\/icd-10-codes-range\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">AAPC code lookup<\/a> cross-references these synonyms against the official tabular list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bent bone of radius (NOS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plastic bowing fracture of radius<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plastic deformation of radius<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bowing fracture of forearm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greenstick-type bowing, which sits in a separate code family and needs imaging to confirm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Radius NOS, bowing injury<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traumatic bowing deformity of forearm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a clinician writes greenstick fracture but imaging shows no cortical break, send a query. Greenstick fractures sit in the S52.31x family, so assigning S52.389A to a true greenstick is an error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coders supporting <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/industry\/physical-therapy-emr\/\">physical therapy practices<\/a> that handle fracture rehabilitation should watch this distinction across the whole episode of care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-icd-10-cm-fracture-coding-guidelines-for-s52-389a\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">ICD-10-CM fracture coding guidelines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section I.C.19.c.2 of the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting covers the coding of traumatic fractures. Coders assigning S52.389A apply those rules across the whole treatment episode. The same rules decide when a later visit becomes a subsequent-encounter code such as S52.692R.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Initial encounter (characters A, B, C):<\/strong> use through the entire active treatment phase, including fracture management visits, manipulation, casting, and reduction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Subsequent encounter (characters D through R):<\/strong> use once active treatment ends. Pick the character matching the healing status, whether routine, delayed, nonunion, or malunion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sequela (character S):<\/strong> use for late effects that arise after healing, such as residual deformity or pain attributed to the old injury.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Laterality specificity:<\/strong> always code to the highest documented specificity. S52.389A is acceptable only when the side is absent from all available documentation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Open versus closed:<\/strong> S52.389A covers closed fractures only. For an open fracture, assign character B or C according to the Gustilo classification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Combination coding:<\/strong> when the same encounter involves both the radius and the ulna, a combination code may apply. Review the instructional notes under S52.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-clinical-documentation-requirements-for-billing-s52-389a\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the clinical record must document<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Billing S52.389A takes more than picking the right code number. The record has to support every element of the code description. Practices using digital intake forms can build encounter templates that capture each required data point automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those templates still sit inside the rules set out in HIPAA documentation practices. Retention and access controls apply to a fracture note like any other clinical record.<\/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-s52389a\/customizable-consent-and-intake-forms.webp\" alt=\"Customizable consent and intake forms in Pabau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Custom intake and consent forms prompt the clinician for fracture type, skin integrity, and side before the claim is built.<\/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>Fracture type:<\/strong> the note or radiology report must describe a bent bone, bowing, or plastic deformation. A greenstick, torus, or complete fracture points elsewhere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Laterality attempt:<\/strong> the record should show that the clinician assessed the injured limb. If imaging labels establish the side, that side must be captured.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Encounter type:<\/strong> the note must reflect active fracture management to justify character A. A fracture check after healing has begun needs a subsequent-encounter character.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Open versus closed:<\/strong> document whether the skin is intact. Wording such as closed fracture or skin intact supports character A, and an absent notation invites a payer query.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mechanism and site:<\/strong> the mechanism of injury and the specific bone both strengthen medical necessity on a fracture management claim.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practices handling fracture care across several visits benefit from a claim review step that flags incomplete documentation before submission. Incomplete records, rather than the code itself, are the usual reason an S52.389A claim is challenged on audit.<\/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-s52389a\/automate-claims-through-healthcode.webp\" alt=\"Automated claims and billing in Pabau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Automated claims and billing in Pabau checks each fracture claim against the note, so a missing 7th character surfaces before submission.<\/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-common-coding-errors-to-avoid-with-s52-389a\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common coding errors to avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bent bone radius claims are denied or queried for a handful of repeating reasons. Spotting the pattern before submission costs far less than correcting it after a denial. Keeping a medical coding cheat sheet at the desk helps a newer coder run the first checks without a lookup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Omitting the 7th character:<\/strong> S52.389 submitted without an extension is not billable, and most payers reject it outright.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Using S52.389A when laterality is documented:<\/strong> if any part of the record says left radius, S52.382A is the correct code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Holding character A past active treatment:<\/strong> switch to the subsequent-encounter characters once treatment ends. Prolonged use of A triggers medical-necessity queries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Confusing bent bone with greenstick:<\/strong> a greenstick has one broken cortex, a bent bone has none. The distinction needs imaging review and, where it stays unclear, a clinician query.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Applying S52.389A to an open fracture:<\/strong> if skin integrity is compromised, character B or C applies. Character A on an open fracture is a compliance risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Defaulting to unspecified:<\/strong> unspecified codes are for records that truly cannot support more detail. Routine use of S52.389A invites audit scrutiny.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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>Build a four-line pre-submission checklist for S52 codes. Confirm the 7th character is present. Confirm laterality was checked against imaging. Confirm open versus closed is documented, and that the encounter type matches the healing phase.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related ICD-10 codes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s83241\/\">ICD-10 code S83.241 \u2014 Other Tear of Medial Meniscus, Right Knee<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52529d\/\">ICD-10 code S52.529D \u2014 Torus fracture of lower end of unspecified<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52532n\/\">ICD-10 Code S52.532N \u2014 Colles&rsquo; fracture left radius nonunion<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-pabau-supports-fracture-coding-and-clean-claims\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Pabau supports fracture coding and clean claims<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A missing 7th character usually surfaces when the payer sends the claim back. Laterality sits in the radiology report while the claim still reads unspecified. Someone reopens the chart, amends the code, and resubmits weeks later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practice management software like Pabau keeps the coding decision next to the clinical record. Encounter templates prompt for fracture type, skin integrity, and side at the point of care. The diagnosis code is entered against that note, rather than reconstructed from memory a month on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pabau&rsquo;s claims management tools then check the claim against the note before it leaves the practice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The result is fewer amended claims and less rework for orthopedic, urgent care, and sports medicine teams. Your coders spend their time on the genuinely ambiguous cases, not on hunting laterality through old imaging.<\/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                    Submit fracture claims that hold up first time                <\/h3>\n\n                <p class=\"description\">\n                    Pabau captures fracture type, laterality, and encounter status in the clinical note, then checks the claim against it before submission. Coders assign the right 7th character once, so denials and rework drop across the treatment episode.                <\/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 practice management dashboard\"\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\">Bent bone coding turns on three facts: laterality, fracture class, and where the patient sits in the treatment episode. S52.389A is right when the side is genuinely undocumented, the skin is intact, and treatment is still active. Change any one of those and a different code in the S52.38 family applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Treat unspecified laterality as a temporary state rather than a coding destination. The side is usually recoverable from an imaging label or the cast application note. Recovering it costs less than defending the unspecified code on audit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Set the four-check habit now and the S52 family stops generating rework. To see how Pabau handles fracture documentation and billing end to end, <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>Tracking a forearm injury into its late effects?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s56428s\/\">S56.428S<\/a> walks through the sequela character on a forearm 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>Coding a follow-up visit at the elbow?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s53442d\/\">S53.442D<\/a> shows how the subsequent-encounter character works one joint up from the radius.<\/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 flexor tendon injury after healing?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s56125s\/\">S56.125S<\/a> covers the record a sequela claim needs behind it.<\/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 a vascular forearm injury at review?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s55899d\/\">S55.899D<\/a> sets out the documentation a subsequent-encounter claim relies on.<\/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>Want laterality captured before the clinician walks in?<\/strong> Our <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/templates\/new-patient-questionnaire\/\">new patient questionnaire<\/a> gives you a structured intake form to build the encounter note on.<\/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-1786351049145\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What does ICD-10 code S52.389A mean?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">ICD-10 code S52.389A is a billable diagnosis code for a bent bone, or plastic bowing, fracture of the unspecified radius. It applies at the initial encounter for a closed fracture. Unspecified refers to laterality, because the record does not identify the right or left radius. Initial encounter means active fracture treatment is still under way. The code is valid for the 2026 ICD-10-CM edition, effective October 1, 2025.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786351049146\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is S52.389A a billable ICD-10 code?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. S52.389A is a billable, specific ICD-10-CM code, valid for HIPAA-covered transactions and accepted for reimbursement. It is not a header or a non-billable parent code. Submission needs the full seven-character code, so the parent S52.389 on its own will be rejected.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786351049147\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the difference between S52.389A and S52.389B?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Both codes describe a bent bone of the unspecified radius at the initial encounter, and they differ by fracture class. S52.389A applies to closed fractures, where the skin is intact. S52.389B applies to open fractures classified as Gustilo type I or II. Assign S52.389B only when the documentation confirms skin disruption and gives that classification.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786351049148\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">When should I use S52.389A instead of S52.381A or S52.382A?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Use S52.389A only when laterality is absent from every available source. That means the physician note, the radiology report, the operative note, and the cast application record. If any source names the right side, assign S52.381A. If it names the left, assign S52.382A. Defaulting to S52.389A when the side is available is a coding error and raises audit risk.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786351049149\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is S52.389A used for pediatric patients?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Bent bone fractures of the radius occur mostly in pediatric patients, because children&rsquo;s bones are more pliable and deform without a complete cortical break. S52.389A applies to any age group when the clinical findings match the code description. No age restriction or pediatric modifier applies under current ICD-10-CM guidance.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786351049150\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is S52.389A valid for the 2026 code year?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. S52.389A is valid for the 2026 ICD-10-CM code year, effective October 1, 2025, per the CMS Official Tabular List. The FY 2026 update introduced no change to the code description or its validity.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ICD-10 code S52.389A is the billable diagnosis code for a bent bone of the unspecified radius, initial encounter for closed fracture. A bent bone fracture, also called plastic bowing, is a permanent bend with no break through the cortex. The word unspecified refers to laterality, not to the fracture type. Bowing fractures of the forearm [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":174719,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":"80","_yoast_wpseo_content_score":"30","_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"[\"\",\"\",\"\",\"\",\"\",\"\"]","_yoast_wpseo_focuskw_text_input":"","_seo_original_html":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1549,1550],"tags":[1363,1305,4170],"class_list":["post-174721","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diagnostic-codes","category-icd-10-cm","tag-icd-10","tag-icd-10-codes","tag-icd-10-cm-2"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.3 (Yoast SEO v28.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>ICD-10 code S52.389A: bent bone of radius (2026 guide)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"S52.389A codes a bent bone of unspecified radius, initial closed-fracture encounter. Use S52.381A or S52.382A when the side is documented.\" \/>\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\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52389a\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_FR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"ICD-10 code S52.389A: bent bone of radius (2026 guide)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"S52.389A codes a bent bone of unspecified radius, initial closed-fracture encounter. Use S52.381A or S52.382A when the side is documented.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52389a\/\" \/>\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=\"2026-08-10T14:45:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-17T12:04:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/icd-10-code-s52389a.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=\"\u00c9crit par\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Maja Popovska\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Dur\u00e9e de lecture estim\u00e9e\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s52389a\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s52389a\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Maja Popovska\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b00aec1dd379f0ddcf6137d78e2a21db\"},\"headline\":\"ICD-10 code S52.389A: Bent bone of unspecified radius\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-10T14:45:09+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-17T12:04:53+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s52389a\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2524,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s52389a\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/icd-10-code-s52389a.webp\",\"keywords\":[\"ICD-10\",\"ICD-10 codes\",\"ICD-10-CM\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Diagnostic Codes\",\"ICD-10-CM\"],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s52389a\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s52389a\\\/\",\"name\":\"ICD-10 code S52.389A: bent bone of radius (2026 guide)\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s52389a\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s52389a\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/icd-10-code-s52389a.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-10T14:45:09+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-17T12:04:53+00:00\",\"description\":\"S52.389A codes a bent bone of unspecified radius, initial closed-fracture encounter. 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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\\\/fr\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b00aec1dd379f0ddcf6137d78e2a21db\",\"name\":\"Maja Popovska\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@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\\\/fr\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/maja-popovska\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s52389a\\\/#faq-question-1786351049145\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s52389a\\\/#faq-question-1786351049145\",\"name\":\"What does ICD-10 code S52.389A mean?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"ICD-10 code S52.389A is a billable diagnosis code for a bent bone, or plastic bowing, fracture of the unspecified radius. It applies at the initial encounter for a closed fracture. Unspecified refers to laterality, because the record does not identify the right or left radius. Initial encounter means active fracture treatment is still under way. The code is valid for the 2026 ICD-10-CM edition, effective October 1, 2025.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s52389a\\\/#faq-question-1786351049146\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s52389a\\\/#faq-question-1786351049146\",\"name\":\"Is S52.389A a billable ICD-10 code?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. S52.389A is a billable, specific ICD-10-CM code, valid for HIPAA-covered transactions and accepted for reimbursement. It is not a header or a non-billable parent code. Submission needs the full seven-character code, so the parent S52.389 on its own will be rejected.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s52389a\\\/#faq-question-1786351049147\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s52389a\\\/#faq-question-1786351049147\",\"name\":\"What is the difference between S52.389A and S52.389B?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Both codes describe a bent bone of the unspecified radius at the initial encounter, and they differ by fracture class. S52.389A applies to closed fractures, where the skin is intact. S52.389B applies to open fractures classified as Gustilo type I or II. Assign S52.389B only when the documentation confirms skin disruption and gives that classification.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s52389a\\\/#faq-question-1786351049148\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s52389a\\\/#faq-question-1786351049148\",\"name\":\"When should I use S52.389A instead of S52.381A or S52.382A?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Use S52.389A only when laterality is absent from every available source. That means the physician note, the radiology report, the operative note, and the cast application record. If any source names the right side, assign S52.381A. If it names the left, assign S52.382A. 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The FY 2026 update introduced no change to the code description or its validity.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"ICD-10 code S52.389A: bent bone of radius (2026 guide)","description":"S52.389A codes a bent bone of unspecified radius, initial closed-fracture encounter. Use S52.381A or S52.382A when the side is documented.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52389a\/","og_locale":"fr_FR","og_type":"article","og_title":"ICD-10 code S52.389A: bent bone of radius (2026 guide)","og_description":"S52.389A codes a bent bone of unspecified radius, initial closed-fracture encounter. 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Off the clock: binging true crime docuseries, baking and dreaming about travel.","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/blog\/author\/maja-popovska\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52389a\/#faq-question-1786351049145","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52389a\/#faq-question-1786351049145","name":"What does ICD-10 code S52.389A mean?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"ICD-10 code S52.389A is a billable diagnosis code for a bent bone, or plastic bowing, fracture of the unspecified radius. It applies at the initial encounter for a closed fracture. Unspecified refers to laterality, because the record does not identify the right or left radius. Initial encounter means active fracture treatment is still under way. The code is valid for the 2026 ICD-10-CM edition, effective October 1, 2025.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52389a\/#faq-question-1786351049146","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52389a\/#faq-question-1786351049146","name":"Is S52.389A a billable ICD-10 code?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. S52.389A is a billable, specific ICD-10-CM code, valid for HIPAA-covered transactions and accepted for reimbursement. It is not a header or a non-billable parent code. Submission needs the full seven-character code, so the parent S52.389 on its own will be rejected.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52389a\/#faq-question-1786351049147","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52389a\/#faq-question-1786351049147","name":"What is the difference between S52.389A and S52.389B?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Both codes describe a bent bone of the unspecified radius at the initial encounter, and they differ by fracture class. S52.389A applies to closed fractures, where the skin is intact. S52.389B applies to open fractures classified as Gustilo type I or II. Assign S52.389B only when the documentation confirms skin disruption and gives that classification.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52389a\/#faq-question-1786351049148","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52389a\/#faq-question-1786351049148","name":"When should I use S52.389A instead of S52.381A or S52.382A?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Use S52.389A only when laterality is absent from every available source. That means the physician note, the radiology report, the operative note, and the cast application record. If any source names the right side, assign S52.381A. If it names the left, assign S52.382A. Defaulting to S52.389A when the side is available is a coding error and raises audit risk.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52389a\/#faq-question-1786351049149","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52389a\/#faq-question-1786351049149","name":"Is S52.389A used for pediatric patients?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Bent bone fractures of the radius occur mostly in pediatric patients, because children's bones are more pliable and deform without a complete cortical break. S52.389A applies to any age group when the clinical findings match the code description. No age restriction or pediatric modifier applies under current ICD-10-CM guidance.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52389a\/#faq-question-1786351049150","position":6,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s52389a\/#faq-question-1786351049150","name":"Is S52.389A valid for the 2026 code year?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. S52.389A is valid for the 2026 ICD-10-CM code year, effective October 1, 2025, per the CMS Official Tabular List. The FY 2026 update introduced no change to the code description or its validity.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"}]}},"yoast":{"focus_keyword":"ICD-10 code S52.389A","seo_title":"ICD-10 code S52.389A: bent bone of radius (2026 guide)","meta_description":"S52.389A codes a bent bone of unspecified radius, initial closed-fracture encounter. 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