S20.479D — Other superficial bite of unspecified back wall of thorax, subsequent encounter
Is S20.479D billable?
Yes, but S20.479D is an unspecified code. S20.479D is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S20.479D 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 S20.479D — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
S20.479D at a glance
| Code | S20.479D |
|---|---|
| Description | Other superficial bite of unspecified back wall of thorax, 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 S20.479D?
In S20.479D, the 7th character D means subsequent encounter. The 7th character is required for S20.479D to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S20.479D group to?
S20.479D 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 S20.479D listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S20.47, the nearest indexed parent of S20.479D. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Bite › thorax, thoracic › superficial NEC › back (s) (animal) (human)
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from S20.47
The conditions below can never be reported together with S20.479D on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.
- open bite of back wall of thorax (S21.24)
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S20.479D to fully describe the condition. S20.479D 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 S20.479D, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S20.479D and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S20-S29
The conditions below are not part of S20.479D, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S20.479D and the excluded code may both be reported.
- burns and corrosions (T20-T32)
- effects of foreign body in bronchus (T17.5)
- effects of foreign body in esophagus (T18.1)
- effects of foreign body in lung (T17.8)
- effects of foreign body in trachea (T17.4)
- frostbite (T33-T34)
- injuries of axilla
- injuries of clavicle
- injuries of scapular region
- injuries of shoulder
- insect bite or sting, venomous (T63.4)
How long has S20.479D existed?
S20.479D 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.