2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S20.343A

External constriction of bilateral front wall of thorax, initial encounter

ICD-10-CM Code:
S20.343A
ICD-10 Code for:
External constrict of bilateral front wall of thorax, init
Is Billable?
Yes - Valid for Submission
Chronic Condition Indicator: [1]
Not chronic
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)

S20.343A is a billable diagnosis code used to specify a medical diagnosis of external constriction of bilateral front wall of thorax, initial encounter. The code is valid during the current fiscal year for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions from October 01, 2023 through September 30, 2024.

S20.343A is an initial encounter code, includes a 7th character and should be used while the patient is receiving active treatment for a condition like external constriction of bilateral front wall of thorax. According to ICD-10-CM Guidelines an "initial encounter" doesn't necessarily means "initial visit". The 7th character should be used when the patient is undergoing active treatment regardless if new or different providers saw the patient over the course of a treatment. The appropriate 7th character codes should also be used even if the patient delayed seeking treatment for a condition.

Clinical Classification

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

Replacement Code

S20343A replaces the following previously assigned ICD-10-CM code(s):

  • S20.341A - External constriction of right front wall of thorax, init
  • S20.342A - External constriction of left front wall of thorax, init

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 - Code Added, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021

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.