2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S12.551SOther traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra, sequela
S12.551S is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for other traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra, sequela. The 7th character S marks it as a sequela code, which reports a problem that remains after the original condition has resolved. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 551 through 552. The code is exempt from POA reporting. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Injury, sequela.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Present on Admission (POA)Billing
S12.551S is exempt from POA reporting on inpatient claims to general acute care hospitals. Review other POA exempt codes.
Coding GuidelinesGuidance
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Fracture of cervical vertebra and other parts of neck (S12). 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
Neck Injuries and Disorders
Any part of your neck - muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, or nerves - can cause neck problems. Neck pain is very common. Pain may also come from your shoulder, jaw, head, or upper arms.
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Convert S12.551S to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About S12.551SOverview
Is S12.551S a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report other traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra, sequela on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What does the 7th character S in S12.551S mean?
The final character S makes this a sequela code: it reports a lingering problem that remains after the other traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra itself has resolved, not the original event.
What MS-DRG does S12.551S group to?
When other traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra, sequela is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 551, 552, with relative weights from 0.9613 to 1.6761 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
Is S12.551S exempt from POA reporting?
Yes. CMS lists this code among those exempt from present on admission reporting, so hospitals do not assign a POA indicator for other traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra, sequela on inpatient claims.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of S12.551S?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, other traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of sixth cervical vertebra, sequela converts to ICD-9-CM 905.1 (late eff spine/trunk fx). 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.
