S89.209K — Unspecified physeal fracture of upper end of unspecified fibula, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
Is S89.209K billable?
Yes, but S89.209K will trip a Medicare edit. S89.209K is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, CMS lists S89.209K 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.
More specific alternatives
- S89.211KSalter-Harris Type I physeal fracture of upper end of right fibula, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
- S89.221KSalter-Harris Type II physeal fracture of upper end of right fibula, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
- S89.291KOther physeal fracture of upper end of right fibula, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion
S89.209K at a glance
| Code | S89.209K |
|---|---|
| Description | Unspecified physeal fracture of upper end of unspecified fibula, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "K" | subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion |
What does the 7th character "K" mean in S89.209K?
In S89.209K, the 7th character K means subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion. The 7th character is required for S89.209K to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
- Ainitial encounter for closed fractureS89.209A
- Dsubsequent encounter for fracture with routine healingS89.209D
- Gsubsequent encounter for fracture with delayed healingS89.209G
- Ksubsequent encounter for fracture with nonunionS89.209K
- Psubsequent encounter for fracture with malunionS89.209P
- SsequelaS89.209S
What Medicare edits apply to S89.209K?
The Medicare Code Editor screens inpatient claims before they are grouped. These edits name S89.209K 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 S89.209K group to?
S89.209K 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, S89.209K is a complication or comorbidity (CC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG.
How is S89.209K listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S89.20, the nearest indexed parent of S89.209K. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Fracture, traumatic › fibula › upper end › physeal (abduction) (adduction) (separation)
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S89.209K to fully describe the condition. S89.209K 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 S89.209K, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S89.209K and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S80-S89
The conditions below are not part of S89.209K, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S89.209K and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S89
The conditions below are not part of S89.209K, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S89.209K and the excluded code may both be reported.
- other and unspecified injuries of ankle and foot (S99.-)
How long has S89.209K existed?
S89.209K 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.