Is ICD-10-CM code S50-S59 billable?

No, S50-S59 (Injuries to the elbow and forearm (S50-S59)) 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 S50-S59 belong to?

S50-S59 belongs to Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: S00–T88 (Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes).

2027 ICD-10-CM Code S50-S59: Injuries to the elbow and forearm (S50-S59) (Non-billable)

Instructional notes

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

burns and corrosions (T20-T32)
frostbite (T33-T34)
injuries of wrist and hand (S60-S69)
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)

Codes under S50-S59

S50-S59 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

S50-S59 MS-DRGs

This code does not group to an MS-DRG as a principal diagnosis.

Other codes that refer to S50-S59

Notes on these codes point to S50-S59.

S40-S49 Excludes2: injuries of elbow (S50-S59)

About the condition

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

Arm Injuries and Disorders

Of the 206 bones in your body, three of them are in your arm: the humerus, radius, and ulna. Your arms are also made up of muscles, joints, tendons, and other connective tissue. Injuries to any of these parts of the arm can occur during sports, a fall, or an accident.

Elbow Injuries and Disorders

Your elbow joint is made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments and fluid. Muscles and tendons help the elbow joint move. When any of these structures is hurt or diseased, you have elbow problems.