S49.139K — Salter-Harris Type III physeal fracture of lower end of humerus, unspecified arm, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
Is S49.139K billable?
Yes, but S49.139K will trip a Medicare edit. S49.139K is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, CMS lists S49.139K 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.
S49.139K at a glance
| Code | S49.139K |
|---|---|
| Description | Salter-Harris Type III physeal fracture of lower end of humerus, unspecified 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 S49.139K?
In S49.139K, the 7th character K means subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion. The 7th character is required for S49.139K to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
- Ainitial encounter for closed fractureS49.139A
- Dsubsequent encounter for fracture with routine healingS49.139D
- Gsubsequent encounter for fracture with delayed healingS49.139G
- Ksubsequent encounter for fracture with nonunionS49.139K
- Psubsequent encounter for fracture with malunionS49.139P
- SsequelaS49.139S
What Medicare edits apply to S49.139K?
The Medicare Code Editor screens inpatient claims before they are grouped. These edits name S49.139K 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 S49.139K group to?
S49.139K 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, S49.139K is a complication or comorbidity (CC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG.
How is S49.139K listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S49.13, the nearest indexed parent of S49.139K. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Fracture, traumatic › humerus › lower end › physeal › Salter-Harris › Type III (abduction) (adduction) (separation)
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S49.139K to fully describe the condition. S49.139K 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 S49.139K, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S49.139K and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S40-S49
The conditions below are not part of S49.139K, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S49.139K and the excluded code may both be reported.
How long has S49.139K existed?
S49.139K has been in ICD-10-CM since at least FY2016, the earliest fiscal year on record here.
- FY2018Salter Harris Type III physeal fracture of lower end of humerus, unspecified arm, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunionSalter-Harris Type III physeal fracture of lower end of humerus, unspecified arm, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
Derived from the official order files for FY2016–FY2026. FY2017 and FY2020 publish no order file, so those years are not covered.