S56.921A — Laceration of unspecified muscles, fascia and tendons at forearm level, right arm, initial encounter
Is S56.921A billable?
Yes, but S56.921A is an unspecified code. S56.921A is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S56.921A 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 S56.921A — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- S56.001AUnspecified injury of flexor muscle, fascia and tendon of right thumb at forearm level, initial encounter
- S56.201AUnspecified injury of other flexor muscle, fascia and tendon at forearm level, right arm, initial encounter
- S56.301AUnspecified injury of extensor or abductor muscles, fascia and tendons of right thumb at forearm level, initial encounter
- S56.501AUnspecified injury of other extensor muscle, fascia and tendon at forearm level, right arm, initial encounter
- S56.801AUnspecified injury of other muscles, fascia and tendons at forearm level, right arm, initial encounter
S56.921A at a glance
| Code | S56.921A |
|---|---|
| Description | Laceration of unspecified muscles, fascia and tendons at forearm level, right arm, 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 S56.921A?
In S56.921A, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for S56.921A to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S56.921A group to?
S56.921A 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, S56.921A is a complication or comorbidity (CC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG.
How is S56.921A listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S56.92, the nearest indexed parent of S56.921A. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Injury › muscle › forearm › laceration
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S56.921A to fully describe the condition. S56.921A 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 S56.921A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S56.921A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S50-S59
The conditions below are not part of S56.921A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S56.921A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S56
The conditions below are not part of S56.921A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S56.921A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Code also — inherited from S56
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S56.921A is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
- any associated open wound (S51.-)
How long has S56.921A existed?
S56.921A 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.