ICD-10-CM Billable Code

S45.011

Laceration of axillary artery, right side

Clinical Classification Guidelines

Medical Intelligence & Overview

A laceration of the axillary artery on the right side is a serious injury involving a cut or tear in one of the major blood vessels supplying blood to the shoulder and upper limb. This condition can result from traumatic incidents such as accidents or deep cuts. Immediate medical attention is essential to manage bleeding and prevent complications. This explanation provides an overview of this injury, including potential causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Causes & Symptoms

Clinical Causes: Traumatic accidents, such as falls, car crashes, or sports injuries Penetrating wounds from knives, bullets, or other sharp objects Iatrogenic causes, such as surgical or medical procedures gone wrong Workplace injuries or incidents involving machinery High-impact trauma leading to blunt force injuries that tear the artery

Key Symptoms: Severe bleeding from the shoulder or upper arm area Swelling and tenderness around the shoulder Pain that worsens with arm movement Possible loss of pulse or reduced blood flow in the affected limb Discoloration or pallor of the skin on the arm or hand Numbness or tingling sensations in the hand or fingers Weakness or inability to move the affected arm in severe cases

Diagnostic & Treatment

Diagnosis Path: Physical examination to assess bleeding, pulse, and signs of compromised blood flow Imaging studies such as Doppler ultrasound to evaluate blood flow Computed tomography (CT) angiography to visualize the blood vessels and identify injuries Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) if detailed vessel imaging is required Arteriography, an invasive procedure where dye is injected to visualize the artery for precise injury assessment

Treatment Protocols: Immediate pressure application to control bleeding until surgical intervention Emergency surgical repair, which may involve suturing or grafting the damaged artery Endovascular techniques such as stent placement in suitable cases Blood transfusions if significant blood loss has occurred Postoperative care including antibiotics to prevent infection and anticoagulants to prevent clot formation Rehabilitation to regain arm strength and movement after recovery

Reimbursement claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015 require the use of ICD-10-CM codes.

Clinical Advice & FAQs

Billing Guidance

Is S45.011 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, S45.011 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Documentation

How do I report S45.011?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Laceration of axillary artery, right side and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.

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