S73.046A — Central dislocation of unspecified hip, initial encounter
Is S73.046A billable?
Yes, but S73.046A will trip a Medicare edit. S73.046A is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, CMS lists S73.046A 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.
S73.046A at a glance
| Code | S73.046A |
|---|---|
| Description | Central dislocation of unspecified hip, 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 S73.046A?
In S73.046A, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for S73.046A to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
What Medicare edits apply to S73.046A?
The Medicare Code Editor screens inpatient claims before they are grouped. These edits name S73.046A 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 S73.046A group to?
S73.046A 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.
- 537Sprains, Strains, and Dislocations of Hip, Pelvis and Thigh with CC/MCCmedical
- 538Sprains, Strains, and Dislocations of Hip, Pelvis and Thigh without CC/MCCmedical
As a secondary diagnosis, S73.046A is a complication or comorbidity (CC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG. It also carries Hospital-Acquired Condition category 05.
How is S73.046A listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S73.04, the nearest indexed parent of S73.046A. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Dislocation › hip › central (articular)
- Subluxation › hip › central
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S73.046A to fully describe the condition. S73.046A 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 S73.046A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S73.046A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S70-S79
The conditions below are not part of S73.046A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S73.046A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S73
The conditions below are not part of S73.046A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S73.046A and the excluded code may both be reported.
- strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of hip and thigh (S76.-)
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S73.0
The conditions below are not part of S73.046A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S73.046A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Code also — inherited from S73
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S73.046A is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
- any associated open wound
How long has S73.046A existed?
S73.046A 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.