S22: Fracture of rib(s), sternum and thoracic spine
S22 is a non-billable header ICD-10-CM code for fracture of rib(s), sternum and thoracic spine. It cannot be billed on its own: choose one of the more specific child codes below. This code also requires a 7th character before it is complete.
This code requires a 7th character
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S22
- A
- initial encounter for closed fracture
- B
- initial encounter for open fracture
- D
- subsequent encounter for fracture with routine healing
- G
- subsequent encounter for fracture with delayed healing
- K
- subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
- S
- sequela
Excludes1: never code together
These conditions cannot occur together. Billing both on the same encounter is a denial.
- transection of thorax (S28.1)
Excludes2: not included here, but may coexist
The excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient can have both. You may code both.
Code first
The underlying condition must be sequenced before this code.
Code also
Both codes may be needed to describe the encounter fully. Sequencing depends on the reason for the visit.
Includes
Conditions this code covers.
- fracture of thoracic neural arch
- fracture of thoracic spinous process
- fracture of thoracic transverse process
- fracture of thoracic vertebra
- fracture of thoracic vertebral arch
Notes
Additional guidance from the ICD-10-CM tabular list.
- A fracture not indicated as displaced or nondisplaced should be coded to displaced
- A fracture not indicated as open or closed should be coded to closed
Other codes that can never be billed with S22
Their own Excludes1 notes name this code, so the conflict is not listed above.
Risk adjustment
No CMS-HCC V28 category: this code does not change a RAF score.
Code history
Unchanged in every release from FY2024 to FY2027.
Code to one of these instead S22
6 child codes. Green means billable.