2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S16Injury of muscle, fascia and tendon at neck level
S16 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for injury of muscle, fascia and tendon at neck level, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as S16.1XXA, S16.1XXD, S16.1XXS, and S16.2XXA.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Specific Coding for Injury of muscle, fascia and tendon at neck levelOverview
Non-specific codes like S16 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:
Coding GuidelinesGuidance
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Injury of muscle, fascia and tendon at neck level (S16). 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.
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Code Also
- any associated open wound S11
Type 2 Excludes
- sprain of joint or ligament at neck level S13.9
7th Character Note
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S16
7th Character
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
A "code also" note instructs that two codes may be required to fully describe a condition, but this note does not provide sequencing direction.
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
Certain ICD-10-CM categories have applicable 7th characters. The applicable 7th character is required for all codes within the category, or as the notes in the Tabular List instruct. The 7th character must always be the 7th character in the data field. If a code that requires a 7th character is not 6 characters, a placeholder X must be used to fill in the empty characters.
Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.
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.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About S16Overview
Is S16 (Injury of muscle, fascia and tendon at neck level) a billable code?
No. This is a category header that groups the codes for injury of muscle, fascia and tendon at neck level, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for injury of muscle, fascia and tendon at neck level need a more specific code from this category, such as S16.1XXA, S16.1XXD, and S16.1XXS.
