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Rib Fracture – March 2023 Coding Tip

Rib Fracture due to Chest Compression and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

New subcategory M96.A

New subcategory M96.A, Fracture of ribs, sternum and thorax associated with compression of the chest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, has been created with new codes to specifically identify thoracic fractures due to performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and chest compression.

Unfortunately, elderly patients and persons with pre-existing conditions are at high risk for this type of injury. “When providing external chest pressure to support perfusion to the brain or other vital organs, rib fractures may be an unavoidable occurrence.” 1

Note an external cause code from Chapter 20 is not assigned as an additional code because the external cause and intent are included in the codes for M96.A.

  • M96.A1, Fracture of sternum associated with chest compression and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  • M96.A2, Fracture of one rib associated with chest compression and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  • M96.A3, Multiple fractures of ribs associated with chest compression and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  • M96.A4, Flail chest associated with chest compression and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  • M96.A9, Other fracture associated with chest compression and cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Note the above codes are complication/comorbid conditions.

  1. AHA Coding Clinic Fourth Quarter 2022

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