S12.201A — Unspecified nondisplaced fracture of third cervical vertebra, initial encounter for closed fracture
Is S12.201A billable?
Yes, but S12.201A is an unspecified code. S12.201A is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S12.201A 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 S12.201A — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- S12.24XAType III traumatic spondylolisthesis of third cervical vertebra, initial encounter for closed fracture
- S12.250AOther traumatic displaced spondylolisthesis of third cervical vertebra, initial encounter for closed fracture
- S12.290AOther displaced fracture of third cervical vertebra, initial encounter for closed fracture
S12.201A at a glance
| Code | S12.201A |
|---|---|
| Description | Unspecified nondisplaced fracture of third cervical vertebra, initial encounter for closed fracture |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "A" | initial encounter for closed fracture |
What does the 7th character "A" mean in S12.201A?
In S12.201A, the 7th character A means initial encounter for closed fracture. The 7th character is required for S12.201A to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S12.201A group to?
S12.201A sits in MDC 08 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.
- 551Medical Back Problems with MCCmedical
- 552Medical Back Problems without MCCmedical
As a secondary diagnosis, S12.201A is a complication or comorbidity (CC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG. It also carries Hospital-Acquired Condition category 05.
How is S12.201A listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S12.201, the nearest indexed parent of S12.201A. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Fracture, traumatic › neck › cervical vertebra › third › nondisplaced (abduction) (adduction) (separation)
Code first — inherited from S12
The underlying condition below must be sequenced before S12.201A. S12.201A describes a manifestation and cannot be the principal or first-listed diagnosis.
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S12.201A to fully describe the condition. S12.201A 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 S12.201A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S12.201A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S10-S19
The conditions below are not part of S12.201A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S12.201A and the excluded code may both be reported.
How long has S12.201A existed?
S12.201A 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.