Is ICD-10-CM code S09 billable?

No, S09 (Other and unspecified injuries of head) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code S09 belong to?

S09 belongs to Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: S00–T88 (Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes).

S09Not billable, use a more specific code below

Other and unspecified injuries of head

In Injuries to the head (S00-S09), chapter 19: Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes

69 billable codes under S09: 14 are a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Instructional notes

Also applies, from Injuries to the head (S00-S09)

These notes sit on S00-S09 and apply to every code under it, including S09.

Includes: conditions that are coded here

injuries of ear
injuries of eye
injuries of face [any part]
injuries of gum
injuries of jaw
injuries of oral cavity
injuries of palate
injuries of periocular area
injuries of scalp
injuries of temporomandibular joint area
injuries of tongue
injuries of tooth

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

burns and corrosions (T20-T32)
effects of foreign body in ear (T16)
effects of foreign body in larynx (T17.3)
effects of foreign body in mouth NOS (T18.0)
effects of foreign body in nose (T17.0-T17.1)
effects of foreign body in pharynx (T17.2)
effects of foreign body on external eye (T15.-)
frostbite (T33-T34)
insect bite or sting, venomous (T63.4)

Code also: add a code for this too, order depends on the encounter

for any associated infection

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers 7th character use and coding of injuries, fractures, burns, drug and toxic effects, abuse and neglect, and complications of care (S00-T88).

Application of 7th Characters in Chapter 19 (page 77)
Coding of Injuries (page 78)
Coding of Traumatic Fractures (page 79)
Coding of Burns and Corrosions (page 80)
Adverse Effects, Poisoning, Underdosing and Toxic Effects (page 82)
Adult and child abuse, neglect and other maltreatment (page 85)
Complications of care (page 85)

Read Section I.C.19 (page 77)

All codes under S09

S09 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

S09 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under S09 group to these 17 MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 949 Aftercare with CC/MCC (23 of 69 codes)
DRG 950 Aftercare without CC/MCC (23 of 69 codes)
DRG 963 Other Multiple Significant Trauma with MCC (22 of 69 codes)
DRG 964 Other Multiple Significant Trauma with CC (22 of 69 codes)
DRG 965 Other Multiple Significant Trauma without CC/MCC (22 of 69 codes)
DRG 913 Traumatic Injury with MCC (16 of 69 codes)
DRG 914 Traumatic Injury without MCC (16 of 69 codes)
DRG 154 Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with MCC (14 of 69 codes)
DRG 155 Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with CC (14 of 69 codes)
DRG 156 Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses without CC/MCC (14 of 69 codes)
DRG 604 Trauma to the Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast with MCC (8 of 69 codes)
DRG 605 Trauma to the Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast without MCC (8 of 69 codes)
DRG 299 Peripheral Vascular Disorders with MCC (1 of 69 codes)
DRG 300 Peripheral Vascular Disorders with CC (1 of 69 codes)
DRG 301 Peripheral Vascular Disorders without CC/MCC (1 of 69 codes)
DRG 562 Fracture, Sprain, Strain and Dislocation Except Femur, Hip, Pelvis and Thigh with MCC (1 of 69 codes)
DRG 563 Fracture, Sprain, Strain and Dislocation Except Femur, Hip, Pelvis and Thigh without MCC (1 of 69 codes)

Other codes that refer to S09

Notes on these codes point to S09.

G96.00 Code Also: head injury (S00-S09)
G96.08 Code Also: head injury (S00 - S09)
G96.09 Code Also: head injury (S00 - S09)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Head Injuries

Chances are you've bumped your head before. Often, the injury is minor because your skull is hard and it protects your brain. But other head injuries can be more severe, such as a skull fracture, concussion, or traumatic brain injury.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.