1. Home
  2. ICD-10-CM Codes
  3. S00–T88
  4. T79
  5. T79
  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code T79.A
Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T79.A

Traumatic compartment syndrome

ICD-10-CM Code:
T79.A
ICD-10 Code for:
Traumatic compartment syndrome
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
    (S00–T88)
    • Certain early complications of trauma
      (T79)
      • Certain early complications of trauma, not elsewhere classified
        (T79)

T79.A is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of traumatic compartment syndrome. 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.

Specific Coding Applicable to Traumatic compartment syndrome

Non-specific codes like T79.A 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 traumatic compartment syndrome:

  • T79.A0 for Compartment syndrome, unspecified - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A0XA for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A0XD for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A0XS for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T79.A1 for Traumatic compartment syndrome of upper extremity - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T79.A11 for Traumatic compartment syndrome of right upper extremity - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A11A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A11D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A11S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T79.A12 for Traumatic compartment syndrome of left upper extremity - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A12A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A12D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A12S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T79.A19 for Traumatic compartment syndrome of unspecified upper extremity - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A19A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A19D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A19S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T79.A2 for Traumatic compartment syndrome of lower extremity - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T79.A21 for Traumatic compartment syndrome of right lower extremity - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A21A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A21D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A21S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T79.A22 for Traumatic compartment syndrome of left lower extremity - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A22A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A22D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A22S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T79.A29 for Traumatic compartment syndrome of unspecified lower extremity - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A29A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A29D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A29S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T79.A3 for Traumatic compartment syndrome of abdomen - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A3XA for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A3XD for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A3XS for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T79.A9 for Traumatic compartment syndrome of other sites - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A9XA for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A9XD for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T79.A9XS for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

Coding Guidelines

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Certain early complications of trauma, not elsewhere classified (T79). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

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

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Type 1 Excludes

Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
  • fibromyalgia M79.7
  • nontraumatic compartment syndrome M79.A

Type 2 Excludes

Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
  • traumatic ischemic infarction of muscle T79.6

Patient Education


Muscle Disorders

Your muscles help you move and help your body work. Different types of muscles have different jobs. There are many problems that can affect muscles. Muscle disorders can cause weakness, pain or even paralysis.

Causes of muscle disorders include:

  • Injury or overuse, such as sprains or strains, cramps or tendinitis
  • A genetic disorder, such as muscular dystrophy
  • Some cancers
  • Inflammation, such as myositis
  • Diseases of nerves that affect muscles
  • Infections
  • Certain medicines

Sometimes the cause of muscle disorders is unknown.


[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.