S42.301K — Unspecified fracture of shaft of humerus, right arm, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
Is S42.301K billable?
Yes, but S42.301K is an unspecified code. S42.301K is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S42.301K 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 S42.301K — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- S42.311KGreenstick fracture of shaft of humerus, right arm, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
- S42.321KDisplaced transverse fracture of shaft of humerus, right arm, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
- S42.331KDisplaced oblique fracture of shaft of humerus, right arm, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
- S42.341KDisplaced spiral fracture of shaft of humerus, right arm, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
- S42.351KDisplaced comminuted fracture of shaft of humerus, right arm, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
- S42.361KDisplaced segmental fracture of shaft of humerus, right arm, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
- S42.391KOther fracture of shaft of right humerus, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
S42.301K at a glance
| Code | S42.301K |
|---|---|
| Description | Unspecified fracture of shaft of humerus, right arm, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "K" | subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion |
What does the 7th character "K" mean in S42.301K?
In S42.301K, the 7th character K means subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion. The 7th character is required for S42.301K to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
- Ainitial encounter for closed fractureS42.301A
- Binitial encounter for open fractureS42.301B
- Dsubsequent encounter for fracture with routine healingS42.301D
- Gsubsequent encounter for fracture with delayed healingS42.301G
- Ksubsequent encounter for fracture with nonunionS42.301K
- Psubsequent encounter for fracture with malunionS42.301P
- SsequelaS42.301S
Which MS-DRGs does S42.301K group to?
S42.301K sits in MDC 08 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.
- 564Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with MCCmedical
- 565Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with CCmedical
- 566Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses without CC/MCCmedical
As a secondary diagnosis, S42.301K is a complication or comorbidity (CC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG.
How is S42.301K listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S42.30, the nearest indexed parent of S42.301K. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Fracture, traumatic › humerus (abduction) (adduction) (separation)
- Fracture, traumatic › humerus › shaft (abduction) (adduction) (separation)
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from S42
The conditions below can never be reported together with S42.301K 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 S42.301K to fully describe the condition. S42.301K 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 S42.301K, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S42.301K and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S40-S49
The conditions below are not part of S42.301K, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S42.301K and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S42
The conditions below are not part of S42.301K, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S42.301K and the excluded code may both be reported.
- periprosthetic fracture around internal prosthetic shoulder joint (M97.3)
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S42.3
The conditions below are not part of S42.301K, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S42.301K and the excluded code may both be reported.
How long has S42.301K existed?
S42.301K 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.