S12.531K — Unspecified traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
Is S12.531K billable?
Yes, but S12.531K is an unspecified code. S12.531K is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S12.531K 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 S12.531K — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- S12.54XKType III traumatic spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
- S12.550KOther traumatic displaced spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
- S12.590KOther displaced fracture of sixth cervical vertebra, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
S12.531K at a glance
| Code | S12.531K |
|---|---|
| Description | Unspecified traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "K" | subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion |
What does the 7th character "K" mean in S12.531K?
In S12.531K, the 7th character K means subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion. The 7th character is required for S12.531K to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S12.531K group to?
S12.531K sits in MDC 08 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.
- 564Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with MCCmedical
- 565Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with CCmedical
- 566Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses without CC/MCCmedical
As a secondary diagnosis, S12.531K is a complication or comorbidity (CC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG.
How is S12.531K listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S12.531, the nearest indexed parent of S12.531K. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Spondylolisthesis › traumatic › acute › sixth cervical › nondisplaced (acquired) (degenerative)
Code first — inherited from S12
The underlying condition below must be sequenced before S12.531K. S12.531K describes a manifestation and cannot be the principal or first-listed diagnosis.
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S12.531K to fully describe the condition. S12.531K 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 S12.531K, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S12.531K and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S10-S19
The conditions below are not part of S12.531K, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S12.531K and the excluded code may both be reported.
How long has S12.531K existed?
S12.531K 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.