S40.279DOther superficial bite of unspecified shoulder, subsequent encounter

BillableUnspecified

Is S40.279D billable?

Yes, but S40.279D is an unspecified code.

S40.279D is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S40.279D 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 S40.279D — the more specific alternatives are listed below.

S40.279D at a glance

CodeS40.279D
DescriptionOther superficial bite of unspecified shoulder, subsequent encounter
BillableYes
Code setICD-10-CM FY2027
Valid for encountersOctober 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027
7th character "D"subsequent encounter

What does the 7th character "D" mean in S40.279D?

In S40.279D, the 7th character D means subsequent encounter. The 7th character is required for S40.279D to be a valid, complete code.

Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:

Which MS-DRGs does S40.279D group to?

S40.279D sits in MDC 23 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.

  • 949Aftercare with CC/MCCmedical
  • 950Aftercare without CC/MCCmedical

How is S40.279D listed in the Alphabetic Index?

The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S40.27, the nearest indexed parent of S40.279D. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.

  • Biteshouldersuperficial NEC

Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from S40.27

The conditions below can never be reported together with S40.279D on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.

  • open bite of shoulder (S41.05)

Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19

Report an additional code alongside S40.279D to fully describe the condition. S40.279D 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 S40.279D, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S40.279D and the excluded code may both be reported.

  • birth trauma (P10-P15)
  • obstetric trauma (O70-O71)

Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S40-S49

The conditions below are not part of S40.279D, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S40.279D and the excluded code may both be reported.

  • burns and corrosions (T20-T32)
  • frostbite (T33-T34)
  • injuries of elbow (S50-S59)
  • insect bite or sting, venomous (T63.4)

How long has S40.279D existed?

S40.279D 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.