ICDcodes.org
FY2027

S04.9XXA — Injury of unspecified cranial nerve, initial encounter

BillableUnspecifiedCC

Is S04.9XXA billable?

Yes, but S04.9XXA is an unspecified code. S04.9XXA is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S04.9XXA 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 S04.9XXA — the more specific alternatives are listed below.

S04.9XXA at a glance

CodeS04.9XXA
DescriptionInjury of unspecified cranial nerve, initial encounter
BillableYes
Code setICD-10-CM FY2027
Valid for encountersOctober 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027
7th character "A"initial encounter

What does the 7th character "A" mean in S04.9XXA?

In S04.9XXA, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for S04.9XXA to be a valid, complete code.

Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:

Which MS-DRGs does S04.9XXA group to?

S04.9XXA sits in MDC 01 and helps define the logic of 2 MS-DRGs (version 44, FY2027). Which one a stay actually groups to also depends on procedures and secondary diagnoses.

  • 073Cranial and Peripheral Nerve Disorders with MCCmedical
  • 074Cranial and Peripheral Nerve Disorders without MCCmedical

As a secondary diagnosis, S04.9XXA is a complication or comorbidity (CC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG.

How is S04.9XXA listed in the Alphabetic Index?

The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S04.9, the nearest indexed parent of S04.9XXA. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.

  • Injury › nerve NEC › cranial
  • Injury › nerve NEC › cranial › contusion
  • Injury › nerve NEC › cranial › laceration
  • Injury › nerve NEC › cranial › specified › type NEC

Code first — inherited from S04

The underlying condition below must be sequenced before S04.9XXA. S04.9XXA describes a manifestation and cannot be the principal or first-listed diagnosis.

  • any associated intracranial injury (S06.-)

Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19

Report an additional code alongside S04.9XXA to fully describe the condition. S04.9XXA 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 S04.9XXA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S04.9XXA and the excluded code may both be reported.

  • birth trauma (P10-P15)
  • obstetric trauma (O70-O71)

Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S00-S09

The conditions below are not part of S04.9XXA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S04.9XXA 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)

Code also — inherited from S00-S09

Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S04.9XXA is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.

  • for any associated infection

Code also — inherited from S04

Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S04.9XXA is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.

  • any associated:
  • open wound of head (S01.-)
  • skull fracture (S02.-)

How long has S04.9XXA existed?

S04.9XXA has been in ICD-10-CM since at least FY2016, the earliest fiscal year on record here.

Derived from the official order files for FY2016–FY2026. FY2017 and FY2020 publish no order file, so those years are not covered.