S10-S19
Medium Complexity
Injuries to the head
Primary Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Last Updated: 2025-09-10
ICD-10 Codes (200)
196 billable0 category headers
S11S11.0Billable
S11.01Billable
S11.011Billable
S11.012Billable
S11.013Billable
S11.014Billable
S11.015Billable
S11.019Billable
S11.02Billable
S11.021Billable
S11.022Billable
S11.023Billable
S11.024Billable
S11.025Billable
S11.029Billable
S11.03Billable
S11.031Billable
S11.032Billable
S11.033Billable
S11.034Billable
S11.035Billable
S11.039Billable
S11.1Billable
S11.10Billable
S11.11Billable
S11.12Billable
S11.13Billable
S11.14Billable
S11.15Billable
S11.2Billable
S11.20Billable
S11.21Billable
S11.22Billable
S11.23Billable
S11.24Billable
S11.25Billable
S11.8Billable
S11.80Billable
S11.81Billable
S11.82Billable
S11.83Billable
S11.84Billable
S11.85Billable
S11.89Billable
S11.9Billable
S11.90Billable
S11.91Billable
S11.92Billable
S11.93Billable
S11.94Billable
S11.95Billable
S12S12.0Billable
S12.00Billable
S12.000Billable
S12.001Billable
S12.01Billable
S12.02Billable
S12.03Billable
S12.030Billable
S12.031Billable
S12.04Billable
S12.040Billable
S12.041Billable
S12.09Billable
S12.090Billable
S12.091Billable
S12.1Billable
S12.10Billable
S12.100Billable
S12.101Billable
S12.11Billable
S12.110Billable
S12.111Billable
S12.112Billable
S12.12Billable
S12.120Billable
S12.121Billable
S12.13Billable
S12.130Billable
S12.131Billable
S12.14Billable
S12.15Billable
S12.150Billable
S12.151Billable
S12.19Billable
S12.190Billable
S12.191Billable
S12.2Billable
S12.20Billable
S12.200Billable
S12.201Billable
S12.23Billable
S12.230Billable
S12.231Billable
S12.24Billable
S12.25Billable
S12.250Billable
S12.251Billable
S12.29Billable
S12.290Billable
S12.291Billable
S12.3Billable
S12.30Billable
S12.300Billable
S12.301Billable
S12.33Billable
S12.330Billable
S12.331Billable
S12.34Billable
S12.35Billable
S12.350Billable
S12.351Billable
S12.39Billable
S12.390Billable
S12.391Billable
S12.4Billable
S12.40Billable
S12.400Billable
S12.401Billable
S12.43Billable
S12.430Billable
S12.431Billable
S12.44Billable
S12.45Billable
S12.450Billable
S12.451Billable
S12.49Billable
S12.490Billable
S12.491Billable
S12.5Billable
S12.50Billable
S12.500Billable
S12.501Billable
S12.53Billable
S12.530Billable
S12.531Billable
S12.54Billable
S12.55Billable
S12.550Billable
S12.551Billable
S12.59Billable
S12.590Billable
S12.591Billable
S12.6Billable
S12.60Billable
S12.600Billable
S12.601Billable
S12.63Billable
S12.630Billable
S12.631Billable
S12.64Billable
S12.65Billable
S12.650Billable
S12.651Billable
S12.69Billable
S12.690Billable
S12.691Billable
S12.8Billable
S12.9Billable
S13S13.0Billable
S13.1Billable
S13.10Billable
S13.100Billable
S13.101Billable
S13.11Billable
S13.110Billable
S13.111Billable
S13.12Billable
S13.120Billable
S13.121Billable
S13.13Billable
S13.130Billable
S13.131Billable
S13.14Billable
S13.140Billable
S13.141Billable
S13.15Billable
S13.150Billable
S13.151Billable
S13.16Billable
S13.160Billable
S13.161Billable
S13.17Billable
S13.170Billable
S13.171Billable
S13.18Billable
S13.180Billable
S13.181Billable
S13.2Billable
S13.20Billable
S13.29Billable
S13.4Billable
S13.5Billable
S13.8Billable
S13.9Billable
S14S14.0Billable
Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Current Year
New Codes (1)
S06.2X9A
Diffuse traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness of unspecified duration, initial encounter
Revised Codes (1)
S06.0X0A
Concussion without loss of consciousness - updated post-concussion syndrome correlation
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for S10-S19 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
high priority
The ICD-10 code range S10-S19 pertains to injuries to the head. This includes a broad spectrum of injuries, from superficial injuries such as abrasions or contusions to more severe injuries like fractures or intracranial injuries. The codes also cover injuries to specific parts of the head, such as the scalp, forehead, cheek, or jaw. The use of these codes is crucial in accurately documenting the nature, location, and severity of head injuries, which is essential for appropriate treatment and billing.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code for the most specific diagnosis available based on the documentation.
- •Consider the severity and location of the injury when selecting the appropriate code.
- •Use additional codes, if necessary, to identify any associated conditions or complications.
- •Remember that codes for initial encounters should not be used for follow-up visits or rehabilitation.
- •Always verify codes in the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient presents with a head injury, such as a concussion or skull fracture.
- ✓When documenting follow-up care for a healing head injury.
- ✓When coding for injuries to specific parts of the head, such as the scalp or jaw.
- ✓When a patient has complications or associated conditions related to a head injury.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the patient has a condition that is not classified as a head injury, such as a brain tumor.
- ✗When the patient's head injury is healing and no longer requires active treatment.
- ✗When the patient's head injury is an old one and is not currently being treated.
- ✗When the patient is being seen for rehabilitation following a head injury.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions in the ICD-10-CM Tabular List to ensure accurate coding.
Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation for head injuries should include a detailed description of the injury, including its location, severity, and any associated conditions or complications. The patient's progress and response to treatment should also be documented.
Clinical Information:
- •Detailed description of the injury
- •Location of the injury
- •Severity of the injury
- •Any associated conditions or complications
Supporting Evidence:
- •Medical history
- •Physical examination findings
- •Imaging studies
- •Operative reports
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presents with a severe concussion with loss of consciousness of 30 minutes. CT scan shows no skull fracture or intracranial injury.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has a head injury.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not providing enough detail about the injury
- âš Not documenting the location of the injury
- âš Not documenting any associated conditions or complications
- âš Not updating the documentation as the patient's condition changes
Range Statistics
10
Total Codes
196
Billable
Complexity:
Medium
Primary Use:Clinical Documentation
Chapter:19
Coding Complexity
Medium
Complexity Rating
Coding for head injuries can be complex due to the variety of injuries that can occur and the level of detail required in the codes. Coders must understand the different types of head injuries and be able to determine the appropriate level of detail to include in the code. They must also know when to use additional codes for associated conditions or complications and understand the difference between initial and subsequent encounter codes.
Key Factors:
- â–¸Understanding the various types of head injuries
- â–¸Determining the appropriate level of detail to include in the code
- â–¸Knowing when to use additional codes for associated conditions or complications
- â–¸Understanding the difference between initial and subsequent encounter codes
Specialty Focus
These codes are most frequently used by emergency medicine physicians, neurologists, and neurosurgeons. They are also used by primary care providers and other specialists who treat patients with head injuries.
Primary Specialties:
Emergency Medicine
40%
Neurology
30%
Neurosurgery
30%
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents to the emergency department with a severe head injury from a car accident.
- • A patient is seen in a neurologist's office for follow-up care after a concussion.
- • A patient is admitted to the hospital for a skull fracture that requires surgery.
- • A patient is seen in a primary care provider's office for a minor head injury from a fall.
Resources & References
There are many resources available to help with coding for head injuries. These include the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- AHIMA's Coding Clinic
- AAPC's ICD-10 Code Translator
Clinical References:
- UpToDate
- Medscape
Educational Materials:
- AHIMA's ICD-10-CM Coding Handbook
- AAPC's ICD-10-CM Training Manual
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I code for a head injury with an associated condition?
Use the code for the head injury, and then use an additional code for the associated condition, if there is one available.