ICD 10 Coding Alert
First, Define March Fracture
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider treated a patient with a “march fracture, 2+3 R metatarsal.” It was the initial encounter for this injury. What diagnosis code do these notes indicate, and what’s a march fracture? Illinois Subscriber Answer: According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), march fractures are “metatarsal fractures, most commonly second and third metatarsal fractures caused by an overuse injury. The repetitive impact to the metatarsals with weight-bearing exercises cause microfractures, which consolidate to stress fractures.” When you see march fracture on an encounter form, know that the term is synonymous with stress fracture; it’s just more specific to the location of the stress fracture. These injuries occur in the foot, meaning the proper diagnosis code for the patient you describe is M84.374A (Stress fracture, right foot, initial encounter for fracture).
Related Articles
ICD 10 Coding Alert
- Code Update:
Report Affected Sides Sans Provider Documentation in These Situations
Hint: Sometimes you may be able to lean on other clinicians’ additions to the medical [...] - Knowledge Check:
Explore Your Understanding of Pediatric Z Codes
Note this scenario where documenting military deployment is useful. Your knowledge of coding encompasses Chapter [...] - Knowledge Check:
Consider Your Pediatric Z Code Quiz Answers Here
Don’t miss a tip on some subtle, useful provider education. Once you’ve answered the quiz [...] - ED Coding:
Garner Tips on Manifestation and Sequela Diagnoses
Make sure you read the guidelines before you select a code. You may not need [...] - You Be the Coder:
Pocket This Migraine Classification
Question: Notes indicate that the provider treated a patient with “retinal migraine.” I’ve never come [...] - Reader Questions:
Look to an H Code for Hearing Loss
Question: Which code should we report for mixed hearing loss? Oklahoma Subscriber Answer: Although the original edition [...] - Reader Questions:
Know When Relevancy Expires
Question: Our provider documented that a patient had “childhood measles 10 years ago.” How should [...] - Reader Questions:
First, Define March Fracture
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider treated a patient with a “march fracture, 2+3 R [...]
