S16.9XXS — Unspecified injury of muscle, fascia and tendon at neck level, sequela
Is S16.9XXS billable?
Yes, but S16.9XXS is an unspecified code. S16.9XXS is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S16.9XXS 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 S16.9XXS — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
S16.9XXS at a glance
| Code | S16.9XXS |
|---|---|
| Description | Unspecified injury of muscle, fascia and tendon at neck level, 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 S16.9XXS?
In S16.9XXS, the 7th character S means sequela. The 7th character is required for S16.9XXS to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S16.9XXS group to?
S16.9XXS sits in MDC 21 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.
- 913Traumatic Injury with MCCmedical
- 914Traumatic Injury without MCCmedical
How is S16.9XXS listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S16.9, the nearest indexed parent of S16.9XXS. 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 S16.9XXS to fully describe the condition. S16.9XXS 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 S16.9XXS, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S16.9XXS and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S10-S19
The conditions below are not part of S16.9XXS, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S16.9XXS and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S16
The conditions below are not part of S16.9XXS, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S16.9XXS 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 S16.9XXS is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
- any associated open wound (S11.-)
How long has S16.9XXS existed?
S16.9XXS 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.