Back Injury ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Back Injury?

The coding of back injuries is detailed and specific within the ICD-10 framework. Here are some of the most commonly utilized codes:

1. S39.002A - Unspecified injury of the lower back muscle, fascia, and tendon, initial encounter: Refers to general lower back injuries where specific details might not be known. It can be used in initial diagnoses where the injury type is undetermined.
2. S39.82XA - Other specified lower back injuries, initial encounter: Utilized for particular injuries in the lower back, like strains or sprains, where more information about the injury type is known.
3. S39.92XS - Unspecified injury of lower back, sequela: This code pertains to unspecified lower back injuries with ongoing effects or complications. It is particularly useful for chronic conditions.
4. S29.002A - Unspecified injury of muscle and tendon of the back wall of thorax, initial encounter: This is a broader code that encompasses unspecified injuries to the back wall of the thorax, including muscles and tendons.
5. S34 - Injury of the lumbar and sacral spinal cord and nerves at the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis level: These codes are used for injuries involving the spinal cord and nerves in the lumbar and sacral regions. Specific codes within this category provide further detail.
6. S39 - Injuries to the abdomen, lower back, lumbar spine, pelvis, and external genitals: A wide-ranging category that includes various types of injuries to the abdomen, lower back, lumbar spine, pelvis, and external genitals.

These codes allow healthcare providers to define and categorize different back injuries. Accurate coding is essential for both treatment planning and insurance billing.

For an in-depth understanding of these codes, refer to Carepatron’s Back Injury ICD Codes and this explainer video below.

Which Back Injury ICD codes are Billable?

• S39.002A: Yes
• S39.82XA: Yes
• S39.92XS: Yes
• S29.002A: Yes
• S34: Yes
• S39: Yes

Clinical Information

Back injuries can vary greatly in location and severity, and ICD-10 codes offer a detailed framework to describe these conditions. Here's a breakdown of the information these codes provide:

• Location Specificity:

Lower Back: Injuries specific to the lower back region, often involving the lumbar spine or associated muscles and tendons

Thorax: Injuries related to the upper back, especially those associated with the back wall of the thorax

• Severity Indication:

Fracture: Indicates a broken bone, such as a vertebral fracture.

Strain: Involves an overstretch or tear in a muscle or tendon, commonly seen in back injuries.

• Chronic Conditions:

Sequela: Denotes conditions or symptoms that are a direct consequence of a previous injury or disease, often used for conditions arising from an initial injury.

Chronic Pain: Persistent pain conditions that linger long after an injury has ostensibly healed

Through these codes, clinicians can accurately diagnose, treat, and manage back injuries, ensuring that patients receive appropriate and targeted care.

Synonyms Include:

• Back Strain
• Lumbar Injury
• Spinal Cord Damage
• Thoracic Muscle Injury
• Lower Back Sprain