S14.159S — Other incomplete lesion at unspecified level of cervical spinal cord, sequela
Is S14.159S billable?
Yes, but S14.159S is an unspecified code. S14.159S is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S14.159S 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 S14.159S — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- S14.151SOther incomplete lesion at C1 level of cervical spinal cord, sequela
- S14.152SOther incomplete lesion at C2 level of cervical spinal cord, sequela
- S14.153SOther incomplete lesion at C3 level of cervical spinal cord, sequela
- S14.154SOther incomplete lesion at C4 level of cervical spinal cord, sequela
- S14.155SOther incomplete lesion at C5 level of cervical spinal cord, sequela
- S14.156SOther incomplete lesion at C6 level of cervical spinal cord, sequela
- S14.157SOther incomplete lesion at C7 level of cervical spinal cord, sequela
- S14.158SOther incomplete lesion at C8 level of cervical spinal cord, sequela
S14.159S at a glance
| Code | S14.159S |
|---|---|
| Description | Other incomplete lesion at unspecified level of cervical spinal cord, sequela |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "S" | sequela |
What does the 7th character "S" mean in S14.159S?
In S14.159S, the 7th character S means sequela. The 7th character is required for S14.159S to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S14.159S group to?
S14.159S 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
How is S14.159S listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S14.159, the nearest indexed parent of S14.159S. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Injury › spinal › cervical › incomplete lesion specified NEC
- Injury › spinal › cervical › posterior cord syndrome
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S14.159S to fully describe the condition. S14.159S 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 S14.159S, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S14.159S and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S10-S19
The conditions below are not part of S14.159S, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S14.159S and the excluded code may both be reported.
Code also — inherited from S14
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S14.159S is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
How long has S14.159S existed?
S14.159S 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.