S15.9XXD — Injury of unspecified blood vessel at neck level, subsequent encounter
Is S15.9XXD billable?
Yes, but S15.9XXD is an unspecified code. S15.9XXD is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S15.9XXD 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 S15.9XXD — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- S15.001DUnspecified injury of right carotid artery, subsequent encounter
- S15.101DUnspecified injury of right vertebral artery, subsequent encounter
- S15.201DUnspecified injury of right external jugular vein, subsequent encounter
- S15.301DUnspecified injury of right internal jugular vein, subsequent encounter
S15.9XXD at a glance
| Code | S15.9XXD |
|---|---|
| Description | Injury of unspecified blood vessel at neck level, subsequent encounter |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "D" | subsequent encounter |
What does the 7th character "D" mean in S15.9XXD?
In S15.9XXD, the 7th character D means subsequent encounter. The 7th character is required for S15.9XXD to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S15.9XXD group to?
S15.9XXD sits in MDC 23 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.
- 949Aftercare with CC/MCCmedical
- 950Aftercare without CC/MCCmedical
How is S15.9XXD listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S15.9, the nearest indexed parent of S15.9XXD. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Injury › blood vessel NEC › neck
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S15.9XXD to fully describe the condition. S15.9XXD 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 S15.9XXD, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S15.9XXD and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S10-S19
The conditions below are not part of S15.9XXD, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S15.9XXD and the excluded code may both be reported.
Code also — inherited from S15
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S15.9XXD is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
- any associated open wound (S11.-)
How long has S15.9XXD existed?
S15.9XXD 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.