ICD-10 S48
Non-Billable HeaderTraumatic amputation of shoulder and upper arm
About ICD-10-CM S48
ICD-10-CM code S48 represents Traumatic amputation of shoulder and upper arm. This is a non-billable header code in the Injury, Poisoning, and External Causes chapter (block S48). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM S48 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 S48
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 S48. Per CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular 2026.
- An amputation not identified as partial or complete should be coded to complete
Type 1 Excludes
Pure excludes, these codes can never be coded together with S48. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- traumatic amputation at elbow level (S58.0)
Coding Notes
Seven Chr Note
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S48
Medicare LCD Coverage for S48
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list S48 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 S48.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but S48 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with S48
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 S48
Other codes in section S40-S49 (Injuries to the shoulder and upper arm).
ICD-10 S48, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code S48 billable? +
No, S48 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block S48 when submitting claims.
What other names or terms map to S48? +
ICD-10 S48 includes: An amputation not identified as partial or complete should be coded to complete.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for S48? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with S48): traumatic amputation at elbow level (S58.0)
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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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