S50-S59
Medium Complexity
Injuries to the thorax
Primary Specialty: Emergency Medicine
Last Updated: 2025-09-10
ICD-10 Codes (200)
199 billable0 category headers
S51Billable
S51.0Billable
S51.00Billable
S51.001Billable
S51.002Billable
S51.009Billable
S51.01Billable
S51.011Billable
S51.012Billable
S51.019Billable
S51.02Billable
S51.021Billable
S51.022Billable
S51.029Billable
S51.03Billable
S51.031Billable
S51.032Billable
S51.039Billable
S51.04Billable
S51.041Billable
S51.042Billable
S51.049Billable
S51.05Billable
S51.051Billable
S51.052Billable
S51.059Billable
S51.8Billable
S51.80Billable
S51.801Billable
S51.802Billable
S51.809Billable
S51.81Billable
S51.811Billable
S51.812Billable
S51.819Billable
S51.82Billable
S51.821Billable
S51.822Billable
S51.829Billable
S51.83Billable
S51.831Billable
S51.832Billable
S51.839Billable
S51.84Billable
S51.841Billable
S51.842Billable
S51.849Billable
S51.85Billable
S51.851Billable
S51.852Billable
S51.859Billable
S52S52.0Billable
S52.00Billable
S52.001Billable
S52.002Billable
S52.009Billable
S52.01Billable
S52.011Billable
S52.012Billable
S52.019Billable
S52.02Billable
S52.021Billable
S52.022Billable
S52.023Billable
S52.024Billable
S52.025Billable
S52.026Billable
S52.03Billable
S52.031Billable
S52.032Billable
S52.033Billable
S52.034Billable
S52.035Billable
S52.036Billable
S52.04Billable
S52.041Billable
S52.042Billable
S52.043Billable
S52.044Billable
S52.045Billable
S52.046Billable
S52.09Billable
S52.091Billable
S52.092Billable
S52.099Billable
S52.1Billable
S52.10Billable
S52.101Billable
S52.102Billable
S52.109Billable
S52.11Billable
S52.111Billable
S52.112Billable
S52.119Billable
S52.12Billable
S52.121Billable
S52.122Billable
S52.123Billable
S52.124Billable
S52.125Billable
S52.126Billable
S52.13Billable
S52.131Billable
S52.132Billable
S52.133Billable
S52.134Billable
S52.135Billable
S52.136Billable
S52.18Billable
S52.181Billable
S52.182Billable
S52.189Billable
S52.2Billable
S52.20Billable
S52.201Billable
S52.202Billable
S52.209Billable
S52.21Billable
S52.211Billable
S52.212Billable
S52.219Billable
S52.22Billable
S52.221Billable
S52.222Billable
S52.223Billable
S52.224Billable
S52.225Billable
S52.226Billable
S52.23Billable
S52.231Billable
S52.232Billable
S52.233Billable
S52.234Billable
S52.235Billable
S52.236Billable
S52.24Billable
S52.241Billable
S52.242Billable
S52.243Billable
S52.244Billable
S52.245Billable
S52.246Billable
S52.25Billable
S52.251Billable
S52.252Billable
S52.253Billable
S52.254Billable
S52.255Billable
S52.256Billable
S52.26Billable
S52.261Billable
S52.262Billable
S52.263Billable
S52.264Billable
S52.265Billable
S52.266Billable
S52.27Billable
S52.271Billable
S52.272Billable
S52.279Billable
S52.28Billable
S52.281Billable
S52.282Billable
S52.283Billable
S52.29Billable
S52.291Billable
S52.292Billable
S52.299Billable
S52.3Billable
S52.30Billable
S52.301Billable
S52.302Billable
S52.309Billable
S52.31Billable
S52.311Billable
S52.312Billable
S52.319Billable
S52.32Billable
S52.321Billable
S52.322Billable
S52.323Billable
S52.324Billable
S52.325Billable
S52.326Billable
S52.33Billable
S52.331Billable
S52.332Billable
S52.333Billable
S52.334Billable
S52.335Billable
S52.336Billable
S52.34Billable
S52.341Billable
S52.342Billable
S52.343Billable
S52.344Billable
S52.345Billable
S52.346Billable
S52.35Billable
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 S50-S59 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 category S50-S59 pertains to injuries to the thorax. This range includes codes for various types of injuries such as fractures, dislocations, sprains and strains, and other internal injuries of the thorax. These codes are used to document the nature, location, and severity of the injury, as well as any complications or associated conditions.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always specify the location of the injury within the thorax.
- •Include details about the cause of the injury, if known.
- •Document any associated conditions or complications.
- •Use additional codes to indicate any relevant external causes.
- •Remember to code also for any related surgical procedures.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient presents with a thoracic injury.
- ✓For documentation of postoperative complications related to thoracic surgery.
- ✓When a patient has a chronic condition resulting from a previous thoracic injury.
- ✓In cases of thoracic injuries due to external causes such as accidents or assaults.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗For congenital thoracic anomalies.
- ✗When the injury is not located in the thorax.
- ✗For conditions that are not injuries, such as infections or tumors.
- ✗When the injury is only suspected, but not confirmed.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions by cross-referencing with the patient's medical record and the ICD-10 manual.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for thoracic injuries should include the nature, location, and severity of the injury, as well as any associated conditions or complications. The cause of the injury should also be documented, if known.
Clinical Information:
- •Nature of the injury
- •Location of the injury within the thorax
- •Severity of the injury
- •Associated conditions or complications
- •Cause of the injury, if known
Supporting Evidence:
- •Medical history
- •Physical examination findings
- •Imaging studies
- •Operative reports
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presents with a fractured rib on the right side due to a fall. The fracture is confirmed by X-ray.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has chest pain.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not specifying the location of the injury
- âš Omitting details about the cause of the injury
- âš Not documenting associated conditions or complications
- âš Using an incorrect code for the nature of the injury
Range Statistics
10
Total Codes
199
Billable
Complexity:
Medium
Primary Use:Clinical Documentation
Chapter:19
Coding Complexity
Medium
Complexity Rating
Coding for thoracic injuries can be complex due to the need to accurately capture the nature, location, and severity of the injury, as well as any associated conditions or complications. The cause of the injury also needs to be coded, if known. There are many subcategories within this range, which can make navigation challenging.
Key Factors:
- â–¸Determining the correct code for the nature of the injury
- â–¸Identifying and coding for associated conditions or complications
- â–¸Coding for the cause of the injury, if known
- â–¸Navigating the many subcategories within this range
Specialty Focus
These codes are primarily used by emergency medicine, general surgery, and orthopedics. They may also be used by other specialties in the context of multi-disciplinary care.
Primary Specialties:
Emergency Medicine
40%
General Surgery
30%
Orthopedics
30%
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient presents to the ER with a stab wound to the chest.
- • A patient is seen in the clinic for follow-up after surgical repair of a fractured sternum.
- • A patient is admitted to the hospital for management of complications from a previous thoracic injury.
- • A patient is seen in the orthopedic clinic for ongoing management of a chronic condition resulting from a previous thoracic injury.
Resources & References
Resources for coding thoracic injuries include the ICD-10 manual, professional coding organizations, and continuing education courses. Clinical references such as textbooks and journal articles can also be useful.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
Clinical References:
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
- Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery
Educational Materials:
- ICD-10 coding courses
- Webinars and workshops on injury coding
- Coding practice exercises
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I code for a thoracic injury with an unknown cause?
If the cause of the injury is unknown, you can use a code from the 'unspecified' subcategory. However, always strive to document as much information as possible.