Version 2024

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S20.34

External constriction of front wall of thorax

ICD-10-CM Code:
S20.34
ICD-10 Code for:
External constriction of front wall of thorax
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
    (S00–T88)
    • Injuries to the thorax
      (S20-S29)
      • Superficial injury of thorax
        (S20)

S20.34 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of external constriction of front wall of thorax. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to External constriction of front wall of thorax

Non-specific codes like S20.34 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for external constriction of front wall of thorax:

  • S20.341 for External constriction of right front wall of thorax - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S20.341A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S20.341D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S20.341S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • S20.342 for External constriction of left front wall of thorax - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S20.342A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S20.342D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S20.342S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • S20.343 for External constriction of bilateral front wall of thorax - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S20.343A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S20.343D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S20.343S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • S20.344 for External constriction of middle front wall of thorax - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S20.344A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S20.344D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S20.344S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • S20.349 for External constriction of unspecified front wall of thorax - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S20.349A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S20.349D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S20.349S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

Coding Guidelines

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Superficial injury of thorax (S20). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela

Index to Diseases and Injuries References

The following annotation back-references for this diagnosis code are found in the injuries and diseases index. The Index to Diseases and Injuries is an alphabetical listing of medical terms, with each term mapped to one or more ICD-10-CM code(s).

Patient Education


Skin Conditions

What does your skin do?

Your skin is your body's largest organ. It covers the entire outside of your body. There are many ways that your skin protects your body and helps keep you healthy. For example, it:

  • Holds body fluids in, which helps prevent you from getting dehydrated
  • Keeps out harmful germs, which helps prevent infections
  • Helps you feel things like heat, cold, and pain
  • Helps control your body temperature
  • Makes vitamin D when the sun shines on it
  • Shields your body against heat and light

What problems and conditions can affect your skin?

There are many different problems and conditions which can affect your skin. Some of them can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as itching, burning, redness, and rashes. They might also affect your appearance. Some of the more common skin conditions include:

  • Acne, which causes pimples when hair follicles under your skin get clogged up
  • Burns
  • Cuts and scrapes
  • Dandruff, flaking of the skin on your scalp (the top of your head)
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis), which causes inflammation, redness, and irritation of the skin
  • Hives, which are red and sometimes itchy bumps on your skin
  • Insect bites
  • Psoriasis, which causes itchy, scaly red patches
  • Skin cancer
  • Skin infections

How can I keep my skin healthy?

Since your skin protects your body in many ways, it's important to try to keep your skin healthy. For example, you can:

  • Wear the right protective equipment, like gloves, long sleeves, knee and elbow pads, or helmets to protect against cuts, bumps and scrapes.
  • If you do get a cut or scrape, clean it right away with soap and warm water. Put on a bandage to protect it while it heals.
  • When you are spending time outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants and use insect repellant to prevent insect bites.
  • Prevent sunburn by covering up and using sunscreen when outdoors.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • When you take a shower or bath, use warm (not hot) water. Use mild cleansers and wash gently (don't scrub).
  • Use moisturizers, like lotions, creams, or ointments, to prevent dry skin.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases


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Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.