S42.156A — Nondisplaced fracture of neck of scapula, unspecified shoulder, initial encounter for closed fracture
Is S42.156A billable?
Yes, but S42.156A is an unspecified code. S42.156A is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S42.156A 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 S42.156A — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- S42.151ADisplaced fracture of neck of scapula, right shoulder, initial encounter for closed fracture
- S42.152ADisplaced fracture of neck of scapula, left shoulder, initial encounter for closed fracture
- S42.154ANondisplaced fracture of neck of scapula, right shoulder, initial encounter for closed fracture
- S42.155ANondisplaced fracture of neck of scapula, left shoulder, initial encounter for closed fracture
S42.156A at a glance
| Code | S42.156A |
|---|---|
| Description | Nondisplaced fracture of neck of scapula, unspecified shoulder, 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 S42.156A?
In S42.156A, the 7th character A means initial encounter for closed fracture. The 7th character is required for S42.156A to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
- Ainitial encounter for closed fractureS42.156A
- Binitial encounter for open fractureS42.156B
- Dsubsequent encounter for fracture with routine healingS42.156D
- Gsubsequent encounter for fracture with delayed healingS42.156G
- Ksubsequent encounter for fracture with nonunionS42.156K
- Psubsequent encounter for fracture with malunionS42.156P
- SsequelaS42.156S
Which MS-DRGs does S42.156A group to?
S42.156A 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.
- 562Fracture, Sprain, Strain and Dislocation Except Femur, Hip, Pelvis and Thigh with MCCmedical
- 563Fracture, Sprain, Strain and Dislocation Except Femur, Hip, Pelvis and Thigh without MCCmedical
How is S42.156A listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S42.15, the nearest indexed parent of S42.156A. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Fracture, traumatic › scapula › neck (abduction) (adduction) (separation)
- Fracture, traumatic › scapula › neck › nondisplaced (abduction) (adduction) (separation)
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from S42
The conditions below can never be reported together with S42.156A on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.
- traumatic amputation of shoulder and upper arm (S48.-)
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S42.156A to fully describe the condition. S42.156A 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 S42.156A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S42.156A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S40-S49
The conditions below are not part of S42.156A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S42.156A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S42
The conditions below are not part of S42.156A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S42.156A and the excluded code may both be reported.
- periprosthetic fracture around internal prosthetic shoulder joint (M97.3)
How long has S42.156A existed?
S42.156A 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.