Game on: ICD-10-CM codes for common playoff injuries

As the NHL and NBA playoffs heat up, fans are glued to their screens. While we root for our favorite teams and players, let's hope they steer clear of these ICD-10-CM codes.
Playoff Injuries ICD-10-CM
The NHL and NBA playoffs don’t just test players’ skill and will but also challenge them to stay off the injury list. Here’s a rundown of ICD-10-CM codes we hope players avoid as the games get tougher and the stakes get higher:
S93.402A: Sprain of unspecified ligament of ankle, initial encounter

Whether it’s a fast break in basketball or a quick pivot on the ice, ankle sprains are common in both sports. Even top athletes must tread carefully, as a single misstep could land them on the injury roster.

S06.0X0A: Concussion without loss of consciousness, initial encounter
Given the physical intensity of the playoffs, it’s not uncommon for players to sustain concussions. These injuries could happen from an accidental elbow during a rebound battle or a forceful check against the boards – ouch.
M62.838 – Other muscle spasm
The tension isn’t just in the air during playoff games; it’s in the players’ muscles too. Muscle spasms can hit when you least expect them, particularly during the final nerve-wracking moments of a game.
W21.220A – Struck by ice hockey puck, initial encounter
With hockey players capable of launching pucks at speeds up to 100 miles per hour, both spectators and participants must stay alert. Keep an eye on that puck the next time you’re at a game to avoid this code on your medical record.
W21.210A: Struck by an ice hockey stick, initial encounter
The hockey stick is a tool, not a weapon. High sticks can happen, especially in the heat of an important game, but let’s aim for high scores —not high sticks.
W23.0XXA: Caught, crushed, jammed, or pinched between moving objects, initial encounter
In the chaos of a fast break or a scuffle along the boards, fingers can find their way into unfortunate places. Whether it’s getting caught in a jersey or jammed against the rink boards, we’re crossing our fingers for no finger injuries this season.
K08.419: Partial loss of teeth due to trauma, unspecified class
Hockey wouldn’t be hockey without a few toothless grins, but ideally, we’d keep all our chiclets intact. While less common in basketball, an elbow during a rebound could lead to a similar dental disaster.
W21.32XA: Struck by skate blades, initial encounter
Skate blades are sharp and can cause accidents, especially amid the chaos of a tight game. Here’s to skilled maneuvers that impress fans and keep players safe.
S83.519A – Sprain of anterior cruciate ligament of unspecified knee, initial encounter
A common but dreaded injury in sports, an ACL tear can turn a spectacular play into a season-ending event. It’s especially prevalent among basketball and hockey players, who often pivot sharply or collide unexpectedly. The recovery process for an ACL tear is usually lengthy and intensive.
Y93.21: Activity, ice skating / Y93.67: Activity, basketball
While playoff games are thrilling to watch – and participate in – these codes remind us that every jump shot and slapshot carries a risk. Here’s to cheering for plays that don’t end in trips to the ER.
W21.05XA: Struck by basketball, initial encounter
It might seem like a minor occurrence compared to some of the other events on this list, but a basketball to the face can result in more than just a startled player. With passes flying fast and loose, we hope our players have quick reflexes and even quicker recoveries.
R09.89: Choking sensation
This code, typically associated with the distressing feeling of an obstructed airway, takes on a twist in the world of sports. Playoff pressure can lead to crucial missteps, so let’s hope our teams stay calm and clutch, avoiding that dreaded choke.

Can you spare a moment from the game? If you’re ready for a quick timeout from the playoffs, check out our ICD-10-CM 101 guide or watch a webinar on-demand covering this year’s ICD-10-CM updates.

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