2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S08.0XXAAvulsion of scalp, initial encounter
S08.0XXA is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for avulsion of scalp, initial encounter. The 7th character A marks it as an initial encounter code, used while the patient is receiving active treatment. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 604 through 605, 963 through 965. Coders also document this condition as avulsion of scalp. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Open wounds of head and neck, initial encounter.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Avulsion of scalp
- Complex wound of head with avulsive loss of part of skull and cranial contents
Coding GuidelinesGuidance
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Avulsion and traumatic amputation of part of head (S08). Use the following options for the applicable episode of care:
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
Source: ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2026, published by CMS and the National Center for Health Statistics.
Clinical ClassificationClinical
AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.
Patient EducationClinical
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.
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Convert S08.0XXA to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About S08.0XXAOverview
Is S08.0XXA (Avulsion of scalp) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report avulsion of scalp, initial encounter on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What does the 7th character A in S08.0XXA mean?
The final character A marks the initial encounter: use it while the patient is receiving active treatment for avulsion of scalp, such as an emergency visit or first evaluation.
What MS-DRG does S08.0XXA group to?
When avulsion of scalp, initial encounter is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 604, 605, 963, 964, 965, with relative weights from 0.9160 to 2.7338 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of S08.0XXA?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, avulsion of scalp, initial encounter converts to ICD-9-CM 873.0 (open wound of scalp). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.
Footnotes
[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.
