S32.029A — Unspecified fracture of second lumbar vertebra, initial encounter for closed fracture
Is S32.029A billable?
Yes, but S32.029A is an unspecified code. S32.029A is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S32.029A 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 S32.029A — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- S32.020AWedge compression fracture of second lumbar vertebra, initial encounter for closed fracture
- S32.021AStable burst fracture of second lumbar vertebra, initial encounter for closed fracture
- S32.022AUnstable burst fracture of second lumbar vertebra, initial encounter for closed fracture
- S32.028AOther fracture of second lumbar vertebra, initial encounter for closed fracture
S32.029A at a glance
| Code | S32.029A |
|---|---|
| Description | Unspecified fracture of second lumbar vertebra, initial encounter for closed fracture |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "A" | initial encounter for closed fracture |
What does the 7th character "A" mean in S32.029A?
In S32.029A, the 7th character A means initial encounter for closed fracture. The 7th character is required for S32.029A to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S32.029A group to?
S32.029A sits in MDC 08 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.
- 551Medical Back Problems with MCCmedical
- 552Medical Back Problems without MCCmedical
As a secondary diagnosis, S32.029A is a complication or comorbidity (CC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG. It also carries Hospital-Acquired Condition category 05.
How is S32.029A listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S32.029, the nearest indexed parent of S32.029A. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Fracture, traumatic › vertebra, vertebral › lumbar › second (abduction) (adduction) (separation)
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from S32
The conditions below can never be reported together with S32.029A 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 abdomen (S38.3)
Code first — inherited from S32
The underlying condition below must be sequenced before S32.029A. S32.029A describes a manifestation and cannot be the principal or first-listed diagnosis.
- any associated spinal cord and spinal nerve injury (S34.-)
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S32.029A to fully describe the condition. S32.029A 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 S32.029A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S32.029A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S30-S39
The conditions below are not part of S32.029A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S32.029A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S32
The conditions below are not part of S32.029A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S32.029A and the excluded code may both be reported.
- fracture of hip NOS (S72.0-)
How long has S32.029A existed?
S32.029A 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.