Ankle Sprain ICD-10-CM Codes
Read this short guide to learn about Ankle Sprain ICD codes you can use.
Fact Checked by Nate Lacson.
What Ankle Sprain ICD codes can I use?
If you’re looking for Ankle Sprain ICD codes, you’ll be spoiled for choice because there’s a lot to pick from! This short guide will only provide basic examples and discuss what you can expect from Ankle Sprain-related ICD codes.
Here are six examples of such ICD codes:
- S93.401A - Sprain of unspecified ligament of right ankle, initial encounter
- S93.401D - Sprain of unspecified ligament of right ankle, subsequent encounter
- S93.401S - Sprain of unspecified ligament of right ankle, sequela
- S93.402A - Sprain of unspecified ligament of left ankle, initial encounter
- S93.402D - Sprain of unspecified ligament of left ankle, subsequent encounter
- S93.402S - Sprain of unspecified ligament of left ankle, sequela
Ankle Sprain ICD-10 codes will always be for the right or left ankle, so you must pick based on your patient's situation. There are ICD codes that don’t specify which ankle has the sprain, but you should only use those if the specific side hasn’t been specified or identified.
Besides indicating which ankle has the sprain, Ankle Sprain ICD-10 codes specify the specific ligament affected. The ones we listed above do not specify the ligaments. Once you determine the specific affected ligament for your patient, you’ll have to resort to ICD-10 codes that mention the particular ligament in their names.
Lastly, all Ankle Sprain ICD-10 codes will come with any one of these labels:
- Initial encounter, which means the patient is currently receiving active treatment for the problem, which, in the case of this subject, is an ankle sprain
- Subsequent encounter, which means the patient is already in the recovery phase and is still being given active/routine care for the sprain
- Sequela means the patient is dealing with the aftereffects of the sprain. Given this, this ICD-10 code should be accompanied by two other ICD-10 codes, one of which should designate the sequela’s nature, while the other should describe the sequela (meaning its effects).
Are these Ankle Sprain ICD codes billable?
Yes. Despite having unspecified ligaments, the aforementioned Ankle Sprain ICD-10 codes are valid and billable. All other Ankle Sprain ICD-10 codes, so long as they have the initial encounter, subsequent encounter, or sequela labels, are also valid and billable.
Clinical information about Ankle Sprains:
A fall, twist, or accident can cause the ligaments in the ankle to become overextended or torn (partially or entirely), which results in an ankle sprain. As opposed to sprains, which involve the ligaments, this is not the same as having a broken ankle because the bone is affected in the former case.
The fact that anyone can sustain an ankle sprain at any time makes them ordinary. Simply taking an incorrect walking step can result in it! Athletes frequently sustain injuries like this, especially those who compete in sports requiring much running or skating.
A person with an ankle sprain may have trouble walking, and depending on the severity, moving the ankle may result in pain and swelling.
Synonyms include:
- Disorder of ligament of right ankle joint
- Sprain of right ankle
- Disorder of ligament of left ankle joint
- Sprain of left ankle
- Sprain of calcaneofibular ligament of the right ankle joint
- Sprain of calcaneofibular ligament of the left ankle joint
- Sprain of deltoid ligament of ankle
- Sprain of the lateral ligament of the ankle joint
- Sprain of the medial ligament of the right ankle joint
- Sprain of the medial ligament of the left ankle joint
- Sprain of tibiofibular ligament of right ankle
- Sprain of tibiofibular ligament of left ankle
Commonly asked questions
It depends on the severity of the sprain. For mild cases, it will likely take two weeks for an ankle sprain to heal. For severe cases, it may take six to twelve weeks!
Not necessarily. A person with an ankle sprain can walk around provided they have crutches or braces to provide stability and prevent them from putting weight on the affected ankle. If pressure and weight are applied to a sprained ankle, the healing process might take longer, and the ankle may weaken even after healing.
Nope! Surgery for an ankle sprain is uncommon and is only advised by medical professionals if their examination reveals that the ankle is so damaged that they think surgery is the only option. Resting, applying an ice or cold compress, and keeping the injured ankle elevated and safe will usually work. Physical therapy may be advised for patients who are athletes or have lost strength in the affected ankle.
