2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S13.8XXASprain of joints and ligaments of other parts of neck, initial encounter

ICD-10-CM Codes›S00–T88›S10-S19›S13

ICD-10-CM S13.8XXA
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

S13.8XXA is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for sprain of joints and ligaments of other parts of neck, 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 551 through 552, 963 through 965. Coders also document this condition as atlanto-occipital joint sprain. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Sprains and strains, initial encounter.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
S13.8XXA
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Sprain of joints and ligaments of other parts of neck, initial encounter
Short Description
Sprain of joints and ligaments of oth prt neck, init encntr
Parent Code
S13.8
Sprain of joints and ligaments of other parts of neck

Code Classification

ChapterS00–T88Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
SectionS10-S19Injuries to the neck
CategoryS13Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments at neck level
This CodeS13.8XXASprain of joints and ligaments of other parts of neck, initial encounter

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Atlanto-occipital joint sprain
  • Cervical spine sprain
  • Injury to ligament of cervical spine
  • Neck sprain
  • Sprain of spinal ligament

Coding GuidelinesGuidance

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments at neck level (S13). 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.

CCSR INJ024
Sprains and strains, initial encounter
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Neck Sprain

    stretching or tearing of ligaments in the neck.

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.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert S13.8XXA to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
847.0 Sprain of neck
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About S13.8XXAOverview

Is S13.8XXA (Sprain of joints and ligaments of other parts of neck) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report sprain of joints and ligaments of other parts of neck, initial encounter on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What does the 7th character A in S13.8XXA mean?

The final character A marks the initial encounter: use it while the patient is receiving active treatment for sprain of joints and ligaments of other parts of neck, such as an emergency visit or first evaluation.

What MS-DRG does S13.8XXA group to?

When sprain of joints and ligaments of other parts of neck, initial encounter is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 551, 552, 963, 964, 965, with relative weights from 0.9405 to 2.7338 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of S13.8XXA?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, sprain of joints and ligaments of other parts of neck, initial encounter converts to ICD-9-CM 847.0 (sprain of neck). 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.