S59.149A — Salter-Harris Type IV physeal fracture of upper end of radius, unspecified arm, initial encounter for closed fracture
Is S59.149A billable?
Yes, but S59.149A is an unspecified code. S59.149A is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S59.149A 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 S59.149A — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
S59.149A at a glance
| Code | S59.149A |
|---|---|
| Description | Salter-Harris Type IV physeal fracture of upper end of radius, unspecified arm, 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 S59.149A?
In S59.149A, the 7th character A means initial encounter for closed fracture. The 7th character is required for S59.149A to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
- Ainitial encounter for closed fractureS59.149A
- Dsubsequent encounter for fracture with routine healingS59.149D
- Gsubsequent encounter for fracture with delayed healingS59.149G
- Ksubsequent encounter for fracture with nonunionS59.149K
- Psubsequent encounter for fracture with malunionS59.149P
- SsequelaS59.149S
Which MS-DRGs does S59.149A group to?
S59.149A 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 S59.149A listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S59.14, the nearest indexed parent of S59.149A. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Fracture, traumatic › radius › upper end › physeal › Salter-Harris › Type IV (abduction) (adduction) (separation)
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S59.149A to fully describe the condition. S59.149A 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 S59.149A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S59.149A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S50-S59
The conditions below are not part of S59.149A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S59.149A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S59
The conditions below are not part of S59.149A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S59.149A and the excluded code may both be reported.
- other and unspecified injuries of wrist and hand (S69.-)
How long has S59.149A existed?
S59.149A 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.