Is ICD-10-CM code S33 billable?

No, S33 (Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of lumbar spine and pelvis) 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 S33 belong to?

S33 belongs to Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: S00–T88 (Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes).

S33Not billable, use a more specific code below

Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of lumbar spine and pelvis

In Injuries to the abdomen, lower back, lumbar spine, pelvis and external genitals (S30-S39), chapter 19: Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes

57 billable codes under S33: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

avulsion of joint or ligament of lumbar spine and pelvis
laceration of cartilage, joint or ligament of lumbar spine and pelvis
sprain of cartilage, joint or ligament of lumbar spine and pelvis
traumatic hemarthrosis of joint or ligament of lumbar spine and pelvis
traumatic rupture of joint or ligament of lumbar spine and pelvis
traumatic subluxation of joint or ligament of lumbar spine and pelvis
traumatic tear of joint or ligament of lumbar spine and pelvis

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

nontraumatic rupture or displacement of lumbar intervertebral disc NOS (M51.-)
obstetric damage to pelvic joints and ligaments (O71.6)

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of hip (S73.-)
strain of muscle of lower back and pelvis (S39.01-)

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

any associated open wound

Also applies, from Injuries to the abdomen, lower back, lumbar spine, pelvis and external genitals (S30-S39)

These notes sit on S30-S39 and apply to every code under it, including S33.

Includes: conditions that are coded here

injuries to the abdominal wall
injuries to the anus
injuries to the buttock
injuries to the external genitalia
injuries to the flank
injuries to the groin

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

burns and corrosions (T20-T32)
effects of foreign body in anus and rectum (T18.5)
effects of foreign body in genitourinary tract (T19.-)
effects of foreign body in stomach, small intestine and colon (T18.2-T18.4)
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 S33

S33 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

S33 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under S33 group to these 11 MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 562 Fracture, Sprain, Strain and Dislocation Except Femur, Hip, Pelvis and Thigh with MCC (21 of 57 codes)
DRG 563 Fracture, Sprain, Strain and Dislocation Except Femur, Hip, Pelvis and Thigh without MCC (21 of 57 codes)
DRG 949 Aftercare with CC/MCC (19 of 57 codes)
DRG 950 Aftercare without CC/MCC (19 of 57 codes)
DRG 963 Other Multiple Significant Trauma with MCC (19 of 57 codes)
DRG 964 Other Multiple Significant Trauma with CC (19 of 57 codes)
DRG 965 Other Multiple Significant Trauma without CC/MCC (19 of 57 codes)
DRG 551 Medical Back Problems with MCC (16 of 57 codes)
DRG 552 Medical Back Problems without MCC (16 of 57 codes)
DRG 537 Sprains, Strains, and Dislocations of Hip, Pelvis and Thigh with CC/MCC (1 of 57 codes)
DRG 538 Sprains, Strains, and Dislocations of Hip, Pelvis and Thigh without CC/MCC (1 of 57 codes)

Other codes that refer to S33

Notes on these codes point to S33.

S39 Excludes2: sprain of joints and ligaments of lumbar spine and pelvis (S33.-)

About the condition

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

Dislocations

Dislocations are joint injuries that force the ends of your bones out of position. The cause is often a fall or a blow, sometimes from playing a contact sport. You can dislocate your ankles, knees, shoulders, hips, elbows and jaw. You can also dislocate your finger and toe joints. Dislocated joints often are swollen, very painful and visibly out of place. You may not be able to move it.

Spine Injuries and Disorders

Your backbone, or spine, is made up of 26 bone discs called vertebrae. The vertebrae protect your spinal cord and allow you to stand and bend. A number of problems can change the structure of the spine or damage the vertebrae and surrounding tissue. They include:

Code history

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