Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S03

Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of head

ICD-10-CM:
S03
Short Description:
Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of head
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
    (S00–T98)
    • Injuries to the head
      (S00-S09)
      • Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of head
        (S03)

S03 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of head. 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.

Coding Guidelines

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of head (S03). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

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

Specific Coding Applicable to Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of head

Non-specific codes like S03 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 dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of head:

  • NON-BILLABLE CODE - S03.0 for Dislocation of jaw

  • NON-BILLABLE CODE - S03.00 for Dislocation of jaw, unspecified side

  • NON-BILLABLE CODE - S03.01 for Dislocation of jaw, right side

  • NON-BILLABLE CODE - S03.02 for Dislocation of jaw, left side

  • NON-BILLABLE CODE - S03.03 for Dislocation of jaw, bilateral

  • NON-BILLABLE CODE - S03.1 for Dislocation of septal cartilage of nose

  • NON-BILLABLE CODE - S03.2 for Dislocation of tooth

  • NON-BILLABLE CODE - S03.4 for Sprain of jaw

  • NON-BILLABLE CODE - S03.40 for Sprain of jaw, unspecified side

  • NON-BILLABLE CODE - S03.41 for Sprain of jaw, right side

  • NON-BILLABLE CODE - S03.42 for Sprain of jaw, left side

  • NON-BILLABLE CODE - S03.43 for Sprain of jaw, bilateral

  • NON-BILLABLE CODE - S03.8 for Sprain of joints and ligaments of other parts of head

  • NON-BILLABLE CODE - S03.9 for Sprain of joints and ligaments of unspecified parts of head

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.


Includes

Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
  • avulsion of joint (capsule) or ligament of head
  • laceration of cartilage, joint (capsule) or ligament of head
  • sprain of cartilage, joint (capsule) or ligament of head
  • traumatic hemarthrosis of joint or ligament of head
  • traumatic rupture of joint or ligament of head
  • traumatic subluxation of joint or ligament of head
  • traumatic tear of joint or ligament of head

Code Also

Code Also
A "code also" note instructs that two codes may be required to fully describe a condition, but this note does not provide sequencing direction.
  • any associated open wound

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.
  • Strain of muscle or tendon of head S09.1

7th Character Note

7th Character Note
Certain ICD-10-CM categories have applicable 7th characters. The applicable 7th character is required for all codes within the category, or as the notes in the Tabular List instruct. The 7th character must always be the 7th character in the data field. If a code that requires a 7th character is not 6 characters, a placeholder X must be used to fill in the empty characters.
  • The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S03

7th Character

7th Character
Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.
  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela

Patient Education


Dislocations

Dislocations are joint injuries that force the ends of your bones out of position. The cause is often a fall or a blow, sometimes from playing a contact sport. You can dislocate your ankles, knees, shoulders, hips, elbows and jaw. You can also dislocate your finger and toe joints. Dislocated joints often are swollen, very painful and visibly out of place. You may not be able to move it.

A dislocated joint is an emergency. If you have one, seek medical attention. Treatment depends on which joint you dislocate and the severity of the injury. It might include manipulations to reposition your bones, medicine, a splint or sling, and rehabilitation. When properly repositioned, a joint will usually function and move normally again in a few weeks. Once you dislocate a shoulder or kneecap, you are more likely to dislocate it again. Wearing protective gear during sports may help prevent dislocations.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Head Injuries

Chances are you've bumped your head before. Often, the injury is minor because your skull is hard and it protects your brain. But other head injuries can be more severe, such as a skull fracture, concussion, or traumatic brain injury.

Head injuries can be open or closed. A closed injury does not break through the skull. With an open, or penetrating, injury, an object pierces the skull and enters the brain. Closed injuries are not always less severe than open injuries.

Some common causes of head injuries are falls, motor vehicle accidents, violence, and sports injuries.

It is important to know the warning signs of a moderate or severe head injury. Get help immediately if the injured person has:

  • A headache that gets worse or does not go away
  • Repeated vomiting or nausea
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • An inability to wake up
  • Dilated (enlarged) pupil in one or both eyes
  • Slurred speech
  • Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
  • Loss of coordination
  • Increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation

Doctors use a neurologic exam and imaging tests to make a diagnosis. Treatment depends on the type of injury and how severe it is.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Sprains and Strains

A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament. Ligaments are tissues that connect bones at a joint. Falling, twisting, or getting hit can all cause a sprain. Ankle and wrist sprains are common. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and being unable to move your joint. You might feel a pop or tear when the injury happens.

A strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon. Tendons are tissues that connect muscle to bone. Twisting or pulling these tissues can cause a strain. Strains can happen suddenly or develop over time. Back and hamstring muscle strains are common. Many people get strains playing sports. Symptoms include pain, muscle spasms, swelling, and trouble moving the muscle.

At first, treatment of both sprains and strains usually involves resting the injured area, icing it, wearing a bandage or device that compresses the area, and medicines. Later treatment might include exercise and physical therapy.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases


[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.