2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S14.134AAnterior cord syndrome at C4 level of cervical spinal cord, initial encounter
ICD-10-CM Codes›S00–T88›S10-S19›S14
- Billable — Valid for Submission
- 7th Character A — Initial Encounter
- Chronic Condition
S14.134A is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for anterior cord syndrome at C4 level of cervical spinal cord, 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 963 through 965. Coders also document this condition as anterior cervical spinal cord injury at C1-C4 level without spinal bone injury. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Spinal cord injury (SCI), initial encounter.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Anterior cervical spinal cord injury at C1-C4 level without spinal bone injury
- Anterior cord syndrome of cervical spinal cord at C4 level
- Incomplete spinal cord lesion at C1-C4 level without bone injury
- Injury at C1-C4 level with spinal cord injury AND without bone injury
Coding GuidelinesGuidance
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Injury of nerves and spinal cord at neck level (S14). 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 S14.134A to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About S14.134AOverview
Is S14.134A (Anterior cord syndrome at C4 level of cervical spinal cord) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report anterior cord syndrome at C4 level of cervical spinal cord, initial encounter on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What does the 7th character A in S14.134A mean?
The final character A marks the initial encounter: use it while the patient is receiving active treatment for anterior cord syndrome at C4 level of cervical spinal cord, such as an emergency visit or first evaluation.
What MS-DRG does S14.134A group to?
When anterior cord syndrome at C4 level of cervical spinal cord, initial encounter is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 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 S14.134A?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, anterior cord syndrome at C4 level of cervical spinal cord, initial encounter converts to ICD-9-CM 952.02 (anterior cord synd/c1-c4). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.
Footnotes
[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:
- The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
- The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.
