For a patient with both right and left ankle fractures, which ICD-10-CM code selection is appropriate?

The selection of S82.891A and S82.892A is appropriate because these codes specifically capture the occurrence of fractures in both the right and left ankles, respectively. The code S82.891A indicates an unspecified fracture of the right ankle, whereas S82.892A corresponds to an unspecified fracture of the left ankle.

Using both codes accurately reflects the dual nature of the patient's injuries and ensures comprehensive documentation of both fractures for medical billing, indexing, and statistical purposes. This precise coding is vital for proper management of the patient's care and potential insurance reimbursements.

The other options do not adequately represent the clinical scenario of having fractures in both ankles. For instance, S82.890A would indicate a fracture of the ankle but does not specify which side or if it pertains to both. S82.899A is a non-specific code that does not capture the bilateral aspect of the fractures. Lastly, S82.891D, while it pertains to an unspecified fracture of the right ankle, fails to address the left ankle fracture, making it insufficient for indicating the complete condition of the patient.