S32.443A — Displaced fracture of posterior column [ilioischial] of unspecified acetabulum, initial encounter for closed fracture
Is S32.443A billable?
Yes, but S32.443A will trip a Medicare edit. S32.443A is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, CMS lists S32.443A under Medicare Code Editor edit 20, “Unspecified code” — meaning a code specifying laterality (right, left or bilateral) exists in the same family. On an inpatient claim this triggers the edit, because CMS holds that there are very limited circumstances in which laterality cannot be documented.
More specific alternatives
- S32.441ADisplaced fracture of posterior column [ilioischial] of right acetabulum, initial encounter for closed fracture
- S32.442ADisplaced fracture of posterior column [ilioischial] of left acetabulum, initial encounter for closed fracture
- S32.444ANondisplaced fracture of posterior column [ilioischial] of right acetabulum, initial encounter for closed fracture
- S32.445ANondisplaced fracture of posterior column [ilioischial] of left acetabulum, initial encounter for closed fracture
S32.443A at a glance
| Code | S32.443A |
|---|---|
| Description | Displaced fracture of posterior column [ilioischial] of unspecified acetabulum, 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 S32.443A?
In S32.443A, the 7th character A means initial encounter for closed fracture. The 7th character is required for S32.443A to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
What Medicare edits apply to S32.443A?
The Medicare Code Editor screens inpatient claims before they are grouped. These edits name S32.443A directly.
A code specifying laterality (right, left or bilateral) exists in the same family. CMS holds that there are very limited circumstances in which laterality cannot be documented.
Which MS-DRGs does S32.443A group to?
S32.443A 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.
- 521Hip Replacement with Principal Diagnosis of Hip Fracture with MCCsurgical
- 522Hip Replacement with Principal Diagnosis of Hip Fracture without MCCsurgical
As a secondary diagnosis, S32.443A 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 S32.443A listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S32.443, the nearest indexed parent of S32.443A. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Fracture, traumatic › acetabulum › column › posterior (abduction) (adduction) (separation)
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from S32
The conditions below can never be reported together with S32.443A 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 S32.443A. S32.443A 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 S32.443A to fully describe the condition. S32.443A 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 S32.443A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S32.443A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S30-S39
The conditions below are not part of S32.443A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S32.443A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S32
The conditions below are not part of S32.443A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S32.443A and the excluded code may both be reported.
- fracture of hip NOS (S72.0-)
Code also — inherited from S32.4
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S32.443A is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
- any associated fracture of pelvic ring (S32.8-)
How long has S32.443A existed?
S32.443A 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.