S16.9XXA — Unspecified injury of muscle, fascia and tendon at neck level, initial encounter
Is S16.9XXA billable?
Yes, but S16.9XXA is an unspecified code. S16.9XXA is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S16.9XXA 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 S16.9XXA — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
S16.9XXA at a glance
| Code | S16.9XXA |
|---|---|
| Description | Unspecified injury of muscle, fascia and tendon at neck level, 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 S16.9XXA?
In S16.9XXA, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for S16.9XXA to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S16.9XXA group to?
S16.9XXA sits in MDC Pre 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.
- 011Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with MCCsurgical
- 012Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy with CCsurgical
- 013Tracheostomy for Face, Mouth and Neck Diagnoses or Laryngectomy without CC/MCCsurgical
How is S16.9XXA listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S16.9, the nearest indexed parent of S16.9XXA. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Injury › muscle › neck
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S16.9XXA to fully describe the condition. S16.9XXA 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 S16.9XXA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S16.9XXA and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S10-S19
The conditions below are not part of S16.9XXA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S16.9XXA and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S16
The conditions below are not part of S16.9XXA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S16.9XXA and the excluded code may both be reported.
- sprain of joint or ligament at neck level (S13.9)
Code also — inherited from S16
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S16.9XXA is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
- any associated open wound (S11.-)
How long has S16.9XXA existed?
S16.9XXA 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.