ICD-10 S38
Non-Billable HeaderCrushing injury and traumatic amputation of abdomen, lower back, pelvis and external genitals
About ICD-10-CM S38
ICD-10-CM code S38 represents Crushing injury and traumatic amputation of abdomen, lower back, pelvis and external genitals. This is a non-billable header code in the Injury, Poisoning, and External Causes chapter (block S38). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM S38 became effective on October 1, 2025. Non-billable codes cannot be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis on a claim, use a more specific child code instead.
Coding Tips for S38
Specialist guidance from the PayerReady Medical Coding Team. Specificity warnings, HCC capture rules, sequencing notes.
Injury codes require a 7th character: A (initial encounter, active treatment), D (subsequent, healing/recovery), S (sequela, late effect of original injury). Codes with fewer than 6 characters need the placeholder X to bring them to 6 characters before adding the 7th. Wrong or missing 7th character is the #1 cause of injury claim denials.
Inclusion Terms / Approximate Synonyms
Clinical terms and conditions classified under S38. Per CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular 2026.
- An amputation not identified as partial or complete should be coded to complete
Coding Notes
Seven Chr Note
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S38
Medicare LCD Coverage for S38
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list S38 as a covered diagnosis.
This doesn't mean the code isn't covered, it means no MAC has issued a Local Coverage Determination naming this specific code. Coverage may still apply under National Coverage Determinations or general medical-necessity rules.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing S38.
1 Aetna
1 Cigna
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with S38
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
We don't have CPT pairings indexed for this specific code yet. Use the CPT search above to find common procedures, or check your payer's published medical policy for code-specific guidance.
Codes Adjacent To S38
Other codes in section S30-S39 (Injuries to the abdomen, lower back, lumbar spine, pelvis and external genitals).
ICD-10 S38, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code S38 billable? +
No, S38 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block S38 when submitting claims.
What other names or terms map to S38? +
ICD-10 S38 includes: An amputation not identified as partial or complete should be coded to complete.
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on June 1, 2026.
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