Is ICD-10-CM code S20 billable?

No, S20 (Superficial injury of thorax) 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 S20 belong to?

S20 belongs to Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: S00–T88 (Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes).

S20Not billable, use a more specific code below

Superficial injury of thorax

In Injuries to the thorax (S20-S29), chapter 19: Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes

294 billable codes under S20: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Also applies, from Injuries to the thorax (S20-S29)

These notes sit on S20-S29 and apply to every code under it, including S20.

Includes: conditions that are coded here

injuries of breast
injuries of chest (wall)
injuries of interscapular area

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

burns and corrosions (T20-T32)
effects of foreign body in bronchus (T17.5)
effects of foreign body in esophagus (T18.1)
effects of foreign body in lung (T17.8)
effects of foreign body in trachea (T17.4)
frostbite (T33-T34)
injuries of axilla
injuries of clavicle
injuries of scapular region
injuries of shoulder
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 S20

S20 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

S20 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under S20 group to these 9 MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 604 Trauma to the Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast with MCC (172 of 294 codes)
DRG 605 Trauma to the Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast without MCC (172 of 294 codes)
DRG 949 Aftercare with CC/MCC (98 of 294 codes)
DRG 950 Aftercare without CC/MCC (98 of 294 codes)
DRG 963 Other Multiple Significant Trauma with MCC (98 of 294 codes)
DRG 964 Other Multiple Significant Trauma with CC (98 of 294 codes)
DRG 965 Other Multiple Significant Trauma without CC/MCC (98 of 294 codes)
DRG 606 Minor Skin Disorders with MCC (24 of 294 codes)
DRG 607 Minor Skin Disorders without MCC (24 of 294 codes)

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.