S23.429A — Unspecified sprain of sternum, initial encounter
Is S23.429A billable?
Yes, but S23.429A is an unspecified code. S23.429A is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S23.429A 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 S23.429A — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
S23.429A at a glance
| Code | S23.429A |
|---|---|
| Description | Unspecified sprain of sternum, 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 S23.429A?
In S23.429A, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for S23.429A to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S23.429A group to?
S23.429A sits in MDC 04 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.
- 205Other Respiratory System Diagnoses with MCCmedical
- 206Other Respiratory System Diagnoses without MCCmedical
How is S23.429A listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S23.429, the nearest indexed parent of S23.429A. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Sprain › sternum (joint) (ligament)
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S23.429A to fully describe the condition. S23.429A 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 S23.429A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S23.429A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S20-S29
The conditions below are not part of S23.429A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S23.429A 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 S23
The conditions below are not part of S23.429A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S23.429A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Code also — inherited from S23
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S23.429A is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
- any associated open wound
How long has S23.429A existed?
S23.429A 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.