Is ICD-10-CM code S15 billable?

No, S15 (Injury of blood vessels at neck level) 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 S15 belong to?

S15 belongs to Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: S00–T88 (Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes).

S15Not billable, use a more specific code below

Injury of blood vessels at neck level

In Injuries to the neck (S10-S19), chapter 19: Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes

150 billable codes under S15: 50 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

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

any associated open wound (S11.-)

Also applies, from Injuries to the neck (S10-S19)

These notes sit on S10-S19 and apply to every code under it, including S15.

Includes: conditions that are coded here

injuries of nape
injuries of supraclavicular region
injuries of throat

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

burns and corrosions (T20-T32)
effects of foreign body in esophagus (T18.1)
effects of foreign body in larynx (T17.3)
effects of foreign body in pharynx (T17.2)
effects of foreign body in trachea (T17.4)
frostbite (T33-T34)
insect bite or sting, venomous (T63.4)

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 S15

S15 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

S15 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under S15 group to these 12 MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 299 Peripheral Vascular Disorders with MCC (50 of 150 codes)
DRG 300 Peripheral Vascular Disorders with CC (50 of 150 codes)
DRG 301 Peripheral Vascular Disorders without CC/MCC (50 of 150 codes)
DRG 913 Traumatic Injury with MCC (50 of 150 codes)
DRG 914 Traumatic Injury without MCC (50 of 150 codes)
DRG 949 Aftercare with CC/MCC (50 of 150 codes)
DRG 950 Aftercare without CC/MCC (50 of 150 codes)
DRG 963 Other Multiple Significant Trauma with MCC (50 of 150 codes)
DRG 964 Other Multiple Significant Trauma with CC (50 of 150 codes)
DRG 965 Other Multiple Significant Trauma without CC/MCC (50 of 150 codes)
DRG 791 Prematurity with Major Problems (36 of 150 codes)
DRG 793 Full Term Neonate with Major Problems (36 of 150 codes)

Other codes that refer to S15

Notes on these codes point to S15.

S09.0 Excludes1: injury of precerebral blood vessels (S15.-)
S17 Use Additional Code: injury of blood vessels (S15.-)

About the condition

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

Wounds and Injuries

An injury is damage to your body. It is a general term that refers to harm caused by accidents, falls, hits, weapons, and more. In the U.S., millions of people injure themselves every year. These injuries range from minor to life-threatening. Injuries can happen at work or play, indoors or outdoors, driving a car, or walking across the street.

Code history

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