S02.81XK — Fracture of other specified skull and facial bones, right side, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
Is S02.81XK billable?
Yes, but S02.81XK is an unspecified code. S02.81XK is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S02.81XK is an unspecified or catch-all code. Payers apply additional scrutiny to unspecified codes and many deny them when the medical record supports a more specific option, so check the documentation before selecting S02.81XK — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- S02.0XXKFracture of vault of skull, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
- S02.19XKOther fracture of base of skull, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
- S02.2XXKFracture of nasal bones, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
- S02.30XKFracture of orbital floor, unspecified side, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
- S02.42XKFracture of alveolus of maxilla, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
- S02.5XXKFracture of tooth (traumatic), subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
- S02.66XKFracture of symphysis of mandible, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
S02.81XK at a glance
| Code | S02.81XK |
|---|---|
| Description | Fracture of other specified skull and facial bones, right side, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "K" | subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion |
What does the 7th character "K" mean in S02.81XK?
In S02.81XK, the 7th character K means subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion. The 7th character is required for S02.81XK to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S02.81XK group to?
S02.81XK sits in MDC 08 and helps define the logic of 3 MS-DRGs (version 44, FY2027). Which one a stay actually groups to also depends on procedures and secondary diagnoses.
- 564Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with MCCmedical
- 565Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with CCmedical
- 566Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses without CC/MCCmedical
As a secondary diagnosis, S02.81XK is a complication or comorbidity (CC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG.
How is S02.81XK listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S02.8, the nearest indexed parent of S02.81XK. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Fracture, traumatic › palate (abduction) (adduction) (separation)
- Fracture, traumatic › skull › specified site NEC (abduction) (adduction) (separation)
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S02.81XK to fully describe the condition. S02.81XK is sequenced first.
- code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from Chapter 19
The conditions below are not part of S02.81XK, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S02.81XK and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S00-S09
The conditions below are not part of S02.81XK, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S02.81XK and the excluded code may both be reported.
- burns and corrosions (T20-T32)
- effects of foreign body in ear (T16)
- effects of foreign body in larynx (T17.3)
- effects of foreign body in mouth NOS (T18.0)
- effects of foreign body in nose (T17.0-T17.1)
- effects of foreign body in pharynx (T17.2)
- effects of foreign body on external eye (T15.-)
- frostbite (T33-T34)
- insect bite or sting, venomous (T63.4)
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S02.8
The conditions below are not part of S02.81XK, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S02.81XK and the excluded code may both be reported.
Code also — inherited from S00-S09
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S02.81XK is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
- for any associated infection
Code also — inherited from S02
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S02.81XK is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
- any associated intracranial injury (S06.-)
How long has S02.81XK existed?
S02.81XK first appears in FY2018 (FY2017 is not available, so it may have appeared then).
Derived from the official order files for FY2016–FY2026. FY2017 and FY2020 publish no order file, so those years are not covered.