Is ICD-10-CM code S53 billable?

No, S53 (Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow) 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 S53 belong to?

S53 belongs to Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: S00–T88 (Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes).

S53Not billable, use a more specific code below

Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow

In Injuries to the elbow and forearm (S50-S59), chapter 19: Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes

261 billable codes under S53: 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 elbow
laceration of cartilage, joint or ligament of elbow
sprain of cartilage, joint or ligament of elbow
traumatic hemarthrosis of joint or ligament of elbow
traumatic rupture of joint or ligament of elbow
traumatic subluxation of joint or ligament of elbow
traumatic tear of joint or ligament of elbow

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

strain of muscle, fascia and tendon at forearm level (S56.-)

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

any associated open wound

Also applies, from Injuries to the elbow and forearm (S50-S59)

These notes sit on S50-S59 and apply to every code under it, including S53.

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)

All codes under S53

S53 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

S53 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under S53 group to these 7 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 (174 of 261 codes)
DRG 563 Fracture, Sprain, Strain and Dislocation Except Femur, Hip, Pelvis and Thigh without MCC (174 of 261 codes)
DRG 949 Aftercare with CC/MCC (87 of 261 codes)
DRG 950 Aftercare without CC/MCC (87 of 261 codes)
DRG 963 Other Multiple Significant Trauma with MCC (87 of 261 codes)
DRG 964 Other Multiple Significant Trauma with CC (87 of 261 codes)
DRG 965 Other Multiple Significant Trauma without CC/MCC (87 of 261 codes)

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.

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.

Code history

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