Question 1

Is S21 a billable ICD-10 code?

Accepted Answer

No, S21 is not a billable code. It is a category code that requires additional specificity. You must select a more specific code from the subcategories for billing purposes.

Question 2

What does ICD-10 code S21 mean?

Accepted Answer

ICD-10-CM code S21 represents Open wound of thorax. This code is part of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification used for medical coding and billing in the United States.

Question 3

When was ICD-10 code S21 introduced?

Accepted Answer

Code S21 has been part of ICD-10-CM since 2016, when the coding system was mandated for use in the United States. This code was included in the original US implementation.

Question 4

What is the parent category for ICD-10 code S21?

Accepted Answer

The parent category for S21 is section:S20-S29 (Injuries to the thorax (S20-S29)). This hierarchical classification helps organize related diagnoses for more accurate coding.

Question 5

What conditions are excluded from S21?

Accepted Answer

Code S21 has Type 1 Excludes (mutually exclusive conditions) including: traumatic amputation (partial) of thorax (S28.1). These conditions cannot be coded together with S21 as they represent different diagnoses.

Question 6

Does S21 require a 7th character extension?

Accepted Answer

Yes, S21 requires a 7th character to specify the encounter type. Available extensions include: A (initial encounter), D (subsequent encounter), S (sequela). Use "X" as a placeholder to fill empty positions before the 7th character (e.g., S21XXA for initial encounter). The extension indicates whether this is an initial visit, follow-up, or treatment for a late effect.

S212026

Excludes11Not coded together

Excludes213Not included here

Code Also9Consider additional code

Use Additional Code1Add code for detail

Notes2Additional information

Includes3Included conditions

7th Character Extensions3Encounter type specifiers