S53.20XA — Traumatic rupture of unspecified radial collateral ligament, initial encounter
Is S53.20XA billable?
Yes, but S53.20XA is an unspecified code. S53.20XA is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S53.20XA 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 S53.20XA — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
S53.20XA at a glance
| Code | S53.20XA |
|---|---|
| Description | Traumatic rupture of unspecified radial collateral ligament, 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 S53.20XA?
In S53.20XA, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for S53.20XA to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S53.20XA group to?
S53.20XA 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 S53.20XA listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S53.2, the nearest indexed parent of S53.20XA. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Rupture, ruptured › traumatic › ligament › radial collateral
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from S53.2
The conditions below can never be reported together with S53.20XA on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.
- sprain of radial collateral ligament NOS (S53.43-)
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S53.20XA to fully describe the condition. S53.20XA 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 S53.20XA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S53.20XA and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S50-S59
The conditions below are not part of S53.20XA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S53.20XA and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S53
The conditions below are not part of S53.20XA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S53.20XA and the excluded code may both be reported.
- strain of muscle, fascia and tendon at forearm level (S56.-)
Code also — inherited from S53
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S53.20XA is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
- any associated open wound
How long has S53.20XA existed?
S53.20XA 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.