AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2012 Issue 2; Ask the Editor

Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior (SLAP) Tear without Documented Trauma

Superior glenoid labrum lesion, or superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) is similar to a biceps tendon tear. The superior labrum is the attachment for the biceps tendon, the strong muscle in the front of the arm. In a SLAP lesion, the labrum is torn from the front to back. A sudden pull on the muscle can pull the superior labrum off of the bone. This is a relatively common injury in athletes, but is most common in patients who have suffered a fall or received trauma to the shoulder. Currently, ICD-9-CM Index to Diseases instructs the coder to assign code 840.7, Superior glenoid labrum lesion for the diagnosis. However, code 840.7 is located in the Injury and Poisoning chapter. What is the correct diagnosis code assignment for superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) tear with no mention of trauma? ...

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