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 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
These codes carry an Excludes1 note pointing at S22. The conflict binds both ways, but ICD-10-CM only writes it down on one side — so you would not find this by reading S22 alone.
Risk adjustment
S22 does not map to an HCC and does not risk-adjust under CMS-HCC V28. That is normal — most ICD-10 codes do not. It still needs to be coded correctly; it just will not move a RAF score.
Code to one of these instead S22
6 child codes. Green means billable.
Questions about S22
- Is S22 a billable ICD-10-CM code?
- No. S22 is a non-billable header code. Code to a higher level of specificity using one of its child codes.
- Where does S22 sit in the tabular list?
- Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88), in the block Injuries to the thorax (S20-S29).
- What cannot be coded together with S22?
- S22 carries an Excludes1 note, which means the conditions it lists can never be coded together with it on the same encounter.