ICD-10 S53
Non-Billable HeaderDislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow
About ICD-10-CM S53
ICD-10-CM code S53 represents Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow. This is a non-billable header code in the Injury, Poisoning, and External Causes chapter (block S53). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM S53 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 S53
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.
Type 2 Excludes
Not included here, the excluded code is not part of S53, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. Both codes may be coded together when applicable.
- strain of muscle, fascia and tendon at forearm level (S56.-)
Includes
- avulsion of joint or ligament of elbow
- laceration of cartilage, joint or ligament of elbow
- sprain of cartilage, joint or ligament of elbow
- traumatic hemarthrosis of joint or ligament of elbow
- traumatic rupture of joint or ligament of elbow
- traumatic subluxation of joint or ligament of elbow
- traumatic tear of joint or ligament of elbow
Coding Notes
Code Also
- any associated open wound
Seven Chr Note
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S53
Medicare LCD Coverage for S53
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list S53 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 S53.
1 Aetna
1 Cigna
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with S53
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 S53
Other codes in section S50-S59 (Injuries to the elbow and forearm).
ICD-10 S53, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code S53 billable? +
No, S53 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block S53 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 2 Excludes for S53? +
Type 2 Excludes (may be coded together when both conditions exist): strain of muscle, fascia and tendon at forearm level (S56.-)
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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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