S12.501B — Unspecified nondisplaced fracture of sixth cervical vertebra, initial encounter for open fracture
Is S12.501B billable?
Yes, but S12.501B is an unspecified code. S12.501B is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S12.501B 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 S12.501B — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- S12.54XBType III traumatic spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra, initial encounter for open fracture
- S12.550BOther traumatic displaced spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra, initial encounter for open fracture
- S12.590BOther displaced fracture of sixth cervical vertebra, initial encounter for open fracture
S12.501B at a glance
| Code | S12.501B |
|---|---|
| Description | Unspecified nondisplaced fracture of sixth 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 S12.501B?
In S12.501B, the 7th character B means initial encounter for open fracture. The 7th character is required for S12.501B to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S12.501B group to?
S12.501B 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, S12.501B 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 S12.501B listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S12.501, the nearest indexed parent of S12.501B. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Fracture, traumatic › neck › cervical vertebra › sixth › nondisplaced (abduction) (adduction) (separation)
Code first — inherited from S12
The underlying condition below must be sequenced before S12.501B. S12.501B describes a manifestation and cannot be the principal or first-listed diagnosis.
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S12.501B to fully describe the condition. S12.501B 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 S12.501B, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S12.501B and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S10-S19
The conditions below are not part of S12.501B, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S12.501B and the excluded code may both be reported.
How long has S12.501B existed?
S12.501B 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.