2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S13.9XXASprain of joints and ligaments of unspecified parts of neck, initial encounter
S13.9XXA is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for sprain of joints and ligaments of unspecified 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 dislocations, sprains and strains involving head with neck. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Sprains and strains, initial encounter.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Dislocations, sprains and strains involving head with neck
- Dislocations, sprains and strains involving multiple body regions
- Dislocations/sprains/strains
- Neck sprain
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.
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
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Convert S13.9XXA to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About S13.9XXAOverview
Is S13.9XXA (Sprain of joints and ligaments of unspecified 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 unspecified parts of neck, initial encounter on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What does the 7th character A in S13.9XXA 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 unspecified parts of neck, such as an emergency visit or first evaluation.
What MS-DRG does S13.9XXA group to?
When sprain of joints and ligaments of unspecified 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 S13.9XXA?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, sprain of joints and ligaments of unspecified parts of neck, initial encounter converts to ICD-9-CM 847.9 (sprain of back NOS). 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.
