S36.232A — Laceration of tail of pancreas, unspecified degree, initial encounter
Is S36.232A billable?
Yes, but S36.232A is an unspecified code. S36.232A is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S36.232A 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 S36.232A — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- S36.220AContusion of head of pancreas, initial encounter
- S36.240AMinor laceration of head of pancreas, initial encounter
- S36.250AModerate laceration of head of pancreas, initial encounter
- S36.260AMajor laceration of head of pancreas, initial encounter
- S36.290AOther injury of head of pancreas, initial encounter
S36.232A at a glance
| Code | S36.232A |
|---|---|
| Description | Laceration of tail of pancreas, unspecified degree, 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 S36.232A?
In S36.232A, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for S36.232A to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S36.232A group to?
S36.232A sits in MDC 07 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.
- 438Disorders of Pancreas Except Malignancy with MCCmedical
- 439Disorders of Pancreas Except Malignancy with CCmedical
- 440Disorders of Pancreas Except Malignancy without CC/MCCmedical
As a secondary diagnosis, S36.232A is a complication or comorbidity (CC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG.
How is S36.232A listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S36.232, the nearest indexed parent of S36.232A. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Laceration › pancreas › tail
- Injury › pancreas › tail › laceration
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S36.232A to fully describe the condition. S36.232A 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 S36.232A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S36.232A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S30-S39
The conditions below are not part of S36.232A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S36.232A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Code also — inherited from S36
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S36.232A is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
- any associated open wound (S31.-)
How long has S36.232A existed?
S36.232A 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.