S22.20XB — Unspecified fracture of sternum, initial encounter for open fracture
Is S22.20XB billable?
Yes, but S22.20XB is an unspecified code. S22.20XB is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S22.20XB 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 S22.20XB — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
S22.20XB at a glance
| Code | S22.20XB |
|---|---|
| Description | Unspecified fracture of sternum, initial encounter for open fracture |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "B" | initial encounter for open fracture |
What does the 7th character "B" mean in S22.20XB?
In S22.20XB, the 7th character B means initial encounter for open fracture. The 7th character is required for S22.20XB to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S22.20XB group to?
S22.20XB sits in MDC 08 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.
- 564Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with MCCmedical
- 565Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with CCmedical
- 566Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses without CC/MCCmedical
As a secondary diagnosis, S22.20XB is a major complication or comorbidity (MCC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG. It also carries Hospital-Acquired Condition category 05.
How is S22.20XB listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S22.20, the nearest indexed parent of S22.20XB. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Fracture, traumatic › sternum (abduction) (adduction) (separation)
- Fracture, traumatic › thorax › sternum (abduction) (adduction) (separation)
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from S22
The conditions below can never be reported together with S22.20XB on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.
- transection of thorax (S28.1)
Code first — inherited from S22
The underlying condition below must be sequenced before S22.20XB. S22.20XB describes a manifestation and cannot be the principal or first-listed diagnosis.
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S22.20XB to fully describe the condition. S22.20XB 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 S22.20XB, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S22.20XB and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S20-S29
The conditions below are not part of S22.20XB, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S22.20XB 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)
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S22
The conditions below are not part of S22.20XB, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S22.20XB and the excluded code may both be reported.
Code also — inherited from S22
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S22.20XB is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
How long has S22.20XB existed?
S22.20XB 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.