2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S48.91

Complete traumatic amputation of shoulder and upper arm, level unspecified

ICD-10-CM Code:
S48.91
ICD-10 Code for:
Complete traumatic amputation of shldr/up arm, level unsp
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
    (S00–T88)
    • Injuries to the shoulder and upper arm
      (S40-S49)
      • Traumatic amputation of shoulder and upper arm
        (S48)

S48.91 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of complete traumatic amputation of shoulder and upper arm, level unspecified. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Unspecified diagnosis codes like S48.91 are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.

Specific Coding Applicable to Complete traumatic amputation of shldr/up arm, level unsp

Non-specific codes like S48.91 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for complete traumatic amputation of shldr/up arm, level unsp:

  • S48.911 for Complete traumatic amputation of right shoulder and upper arm, level unspecified - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S48.911A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S48.911D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S48.911S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • S48.912 for Complete traumatic amputation of left shoulder and upper arm, level unspecified - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S48.912A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S48.912D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S48.912S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • S48.919 for Complete traumatic amputation of unspecified shoulder and upper arm, level unspecified - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S48.919A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S48.919D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S48.919S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

Coding Guidelines

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Traumatic amputation of shoulder and upper arm (S48). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela

Index to Diseases and Injuries References

The following annotation back-references for this diagnosis code are found in the injuries and diseases index. The Index to Diseases and Injuries is an alphabetical listing of medical terms, with each term mapped to one or more ICD-10-CM code(s).

Patient Education


Limb Loss

People can lose all or part of an arm or leg for a number of reasons. Common ones include:

  • Problems with blood circulation. These may be the result of atherosclerosis or diabetes. Severe cases may result in amputation.
  • Injuries, including from traffic accidents and military combat
  • Cancer
  • Birth defects

Some amputees have phantom pain, which is the feeling of pain in the missing limb. Other physical problems include surgical complications and skin problems, if you wear an artificial limb. Many amputees use an artificial limb. Learning how to use it takes time. Physical therapy can help you adapt.

Recovery from the loss of a limb can be hard. Sadness, anger, and frustration are common. If you are having a tough time, talk to your doctor. Treatment with medicine or counseling can help.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.