S14.121A — Central cord syndrome at C1 level of cervical spinal cord, initial encounter
Is S14.121A billable?
Yes — S14.121A is billable for FY2027. S14.121A is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code at the highest level of specificity in its branch. S14.121A may be submitted for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
S14.121A at a glance
| Code | S14.121A |
|---|---|
| Description | Central cord syndrome at C1 level of cervical spinal 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 S14.121A?
In S14.121A, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for S14.121A to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S14.121A group to?
S14.121A sits in MDC 01 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.
- 052Spinal Disorders and Injuries with CC/MCCmedical
- 053Spinal Disorders and Injuries without CC/MCCmedical
As a secondary diagnosis, S14.121A 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 S14.121A listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S14.121, the nearest indexed parent of S14.121A. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Injury › spinal › cervical › central cord syndrome › C1 level
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S14.121A to fully describe the condition. S14.121A 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 S14.121A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S14.121A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S10-S19
The conditions below are not part of S14.121A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S14.121A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Code also — inherited from S14
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S14.121A is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
How long has S14.121A existed?
S14.121A 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.