S06.33AA — Contusion and laceration of cerebrum, unspecified, with loss of consciousness status unknown, initial encounter
Is S06.33AA billable?
Yes, but S06.33AA will trip a Medicare edit. S06.33AA is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, CMS lists S06.33AA under Medicare Code Editor edit 20, “Unspecified code” — meaning a code specifying laterality (right, left or bilateral) exists in the same family. On an inpatient claim this triggers the edit, because CMS holds that there are very limited circumstances in which laterality cannot be documented.
More specific alternatives
- S06.310AContusion and laceration of right cerebrum without loss of consciousness, initial encounter
- S06.320AContusion and laceration of left cerebrum without loss of consciousness, initial encounter
- S06.340ATraumatic hemorrhage of right cerebrum without loss of consciousness, initial encounter
- S06.350ATraumatic hemorrhage of left cerebrum without loss of consciousness, initial encounter
- S06.370AContusion, laceration, and hemorrhage of cerebellum without loss of consciousness, initial encounter
- S06.380AContusion, laceration, and hemorrhage of brainstem without loss of consciousness, initial encounter
S06.33AA at a glance
| Code | S06.33AA |
|---|---|
| Description | Contusion and laceration of cerebrum, unspecified, with loss of consciousness status unknown, initial encounter |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "A" | initial encounter |
What does the 7th character "A" mean in S06.33AA?
In S06.33AA, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for S06.33AA to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
What Medicare edits apply to S06.33AA?
The Medicare Code Editor screens inpatient claims before they are grouped. These edits name S06.33AA directly.
A code specifying laterality (right, left or bilateral) exists in the same family. CMS holds that there are very limited circumstances in which laterality cannot be documented.
Which MS-DRGs does S06.33AA group to?
S06.33AA 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.
- 023Craniotomy with Major Device Implant or Acute Complex CNS Principal Diagnosis with MCC or Antineoplastic Implant or Epilepsy with Neurostimulatorsurgical
- 024Craniotomy with Major Device Implant or Acute Complex CNS Principal Diagnosis without MCCsurgical
As a secondary diagnosis, S06.33AA is a major complication or comorbidity (MCC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG. It also carries Hospital-Acquired Condition category 05.
How is S06.33AA listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S06.33, the nearest indexed parent of S06.33AA. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Contusion › cerebral (skin surface intact)
- Laceration › cerebral
Inclusion terms
Alternative wording in documentation that is classified to S06.33AA.
- Contusion and laceration of cerebrum NOS
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from S06
The conditions below can never be reported together with S06.33AA on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.
- head injury NOS (S09.90)
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S06.33AA to fully describe the condition. S06.33AA is sequenced first.
- code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
Use additional code — inherited from S06
Report an additional code alongside S06.33AA to fully describe the condition. S06.33AA is sequenced first.
- code, if applicable, to identify mild neurocognitive disorders due to known physiological condition (F06.7-)
Use additional code — inherited from S06.3
Report an additional code alongside S06.33AA to fully describe the condition. S06.33AA is sequenced first.
- code, if applicable, for traumatic brain compression or herniation (S06.A-)
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from Chapter 19
The conditions below are not part of S06.33AA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S06.33AA and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S00-S09
The conditions below are not part of S06.33AA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S06.33AA 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 S06.3
The conditions below are not part of S06.33AA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S06.33AA 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 S06.33AA is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
- for any associated infection
Code also — inherited from S06
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S06.33AA is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
How long has S06.33AA existed?
S06.33AA first appears in FY2023.
Derived from the official order files for FY2016–FY2026. FY2017 and FY2020 publish no order file, so those years are not covered.