S12.251B — Other traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of third cervical vertebra, initial encounter for open fracture
Is S12.251B billable?
Yes — S12.251B is billable for FY2027. S12.251B is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code at the highest level of specificity in its branch. S12.251B may be submitted for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
S12.251B at a glance
| Code | S12.251B |
|---|---|
| Description | Other traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of third cervical vertebra, initial encounter for open fracture |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "B" | initial encounter for open fracture |
What does the 7th character "B" mean in S12.251B?
In S12.251B, the 7th character B means initial encounter for open fracture. The 7th character is required for S12.251B to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S12.251B group to?
S12.251B 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, S12.251B 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 S12.251B listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S12.251, the nearest indexed parent of S12.251B. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Spondylolisthesis › traumatic › acute › third cervical › specified type NEC › nondisplaced (acquired) (degenerative)
Code first — inherited from S12
The underlying condition below must be sequenced before S12.251B. S12.251B describes a manifestation and cannot be the principal or first-listed diagnosis.
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S12.251B to fully describe the condition. S12.251B 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 S12.251B, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S12.251B and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S10-S19
The conditions below are not part of S12.251B, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S12.251B and the excluded code may both be reported.
How long has S12.251B existed?
S12.251B 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.