S63.278A — Dislocation of unspecified interphalangeal joint of other finger, initial encounter
Is S63.278A billable?
Yes, but S63.278A is an unspecified code. S63.278A is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S63.278A 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 S63.278A — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- S63.210ASubluxation of metacarpophalangeal joint of right index finger, initial encounter
- S63.230ASubluxation of proximal interphalangeal joint of right index finger, initial encounter
- S63.240ASubluxation of distal interphalangeal joint of right index finger, initial encounter
- S63.260ADislocation of metacarpophalangeal joint of right index finger, initial encounter
- S63.280ADislocation of proximal interphalangeal joint of right index finger, initial encounter
- S63.290ADislocation of distal interphalangeal joint of right index finger, initial encounter
S63.278A at a glance
| Code | S63.278A |
|---|---|
| Description | Dislocation of unspecified interphalangeal joint of other finger, 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 S63.278A?
In S63.278A, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for S63.278A to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S63.278A group to?
S63.278A 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 S63.278A listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S63.27, the nearest indexed parent of S63.278A. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Dislocation › finger › interphalangeal (articular)
- Dislocation › finger › interphalangeal › index (articular)
- Dislocation › finger › interphalangeal › little (articular)
- Dislocation › finger › interphalangeal › middle (articular)
- Dislocation › finger › interphalangeal › ring (articular)
- Dislocation › interphalangeal › finger › index (articular)
- Dislocation › interphalangeal › finger › little (articular)
- Dislocation › interphalangeal › finger › middle (articular)
Inclusion terms
Alternative wording in documentation that is classified to S63.278A.
- Dislocation of unspecified interphalangeal joint of specified finger with unspecified laterality
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S63.278A to fully describe the condition. S63.278A 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 S63.278A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S63.278A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S60-S69
The conditions below are not part of S63.278A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S63.278A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S63
The conditions below are not part of S63.278A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S63.278A and the excluded code may both be reported.
- strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of wrist and hand (S66.-)
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S63.2
The conditions below are not part of S63.278A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S63.278A and the excluded code may both be reported.
- subluxation and dislocation of thumb (S63.1-)
Code also — inherited from S63
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S63.278A is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
- any associated open wound
How long has S63.278A existed?
S63.278A 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.