ICD-10 S78
Non-Billable HeaderTraumatic amputation of hip and thigh
About ICD-10-CM S78
ICD-10-CM code S78 represents Traumatic amputation of hip and thigh. This is a non-billable header code in the Injury, Poisoning, and External Causes chapter (block S78). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM S78 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 S78
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 S78. 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 S78. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- traumatic amputation of knee (S88.0-)
Coding Notes
Seven Chr Note
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S78
Medicare LCD Coverage for S78
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list S78 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 S78.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but S78 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with S78
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 S78
Other codes in section S70-S79 (Injuries to the hip and thigh).
ICD-10 S78, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code S78 billable? +
No, S78 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block S78 when submitting claims.
What other names or terms map to S78? +
ICD-10 S78 includes: An amputation not identified as partial or complete should be coded to complete.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for S78? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with S78): traumatic amputation of knee (S88.0-)
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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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