S11.039A — Unspecified open wound of vocal cord, initial encounter
Is S11.039A billable?
Yes, but S11.039A is an unspecified code. S11.039A is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S11.039A 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 S11.039A — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- S11.031ALaceration without foreign body of vocal cord, initial encounter
- S11.032ALaceration with foreign body of vocal cord, initial encounter
- S11.033APuncture wound without foreign body of vocal cord, initial encounter
- S11.034APuncture wound with foreign body of vocal cord, initial encounter
- S11.035AOpen bite of vocal cord, initial encounter
S11.039A at a glance
| Code | S11.039A |
|---|---|
| Description | Unspecified open wound of vocal cord, 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 S11.039A?
In S11.039A, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for S11.039A to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S11.039A group to?
S11.039A sits in MDC Pre 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.
- 011Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with MCCsurgical
- 012Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with CCsurgical
- 013Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy without CC/MCCsurgical
As a secondary diagnosis, S11.039A is a major complication or comorbidity (MCC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG.
How is S11.039A listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S11.039, the nearest indexed parent of S11.039A. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Wound, open › vocal cord
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S11.039A to fully describe the condition. S11.039A 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 S11.039A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S11.039A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S10-S19
The conditions below are not part of S11.039A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S11.039A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S11
The conditions below are not part of S11.039A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S11.039A and the excluded code may both be reported.
- open fracture of vertebra (S12.- with 7th character B)
Code also — inherited from S11
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S11.039A is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
How long has S11.039A existed?
S11.039A 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.