2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S23.3XXDSprain of ligaments of thoracic spine, subsequent encounter
S23.3XXD is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for sprain of ligaments of thoracic spine, subsequent encounter. The 7th character D marks it as a subsequent encounter code, used during routine care in the healing or recovery phase. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 949 through 950. The code is exempt from POA reporting. Coders also document this condition as sprain of spinal ligament. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Sprains and strains, subsequent encounter.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Present on Admission (POA)Billing
S23.3XXD is exempt from POA reporting on inpatient claims to general acute care hospitals. Review other POA exempt codes.
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Sprain of spinal ligament
- Thoracic back sprain
Coding GuidelinesGuidance
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of thorax (S23). 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
Spine Injuries and Disorders
Your backbone, or spine, is made up of 26 bone discs called vertebrae. The vertebrae protect your spinal cord and allow you to stand and bend. A number of problems can change the structure of the spine or damage the vertebrae and surrounding tissue. They include:
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Convert S23.3XXD to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About S23.3XXDOverview
Is S23.3XXD (Sprain of ligaments of thoracic spine) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report sprain of ligaments of thoracic spine, subsequent encounter on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What does the 7th character D in S23.3XXD mean?
The final character D marks a subsequent encounter: use it for routine care while the sprain of ligaments of thoracic spine is healing, after active treatment has ended.
What MS-DRG does S23.3XXD group to?
When sprain of ligaments of thoracic spine, subsequent encounter is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 949, 950, with relative weights from 0.6277 to 1.1897 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
Is S23.3XXD exempt from POA reporting?
Yes. CMS lists this code among those exempt from present on admission reporting, so hospitals do not assign a POA indicator for sprain of ligaments of thoracic spine, subsequent encounter on inpatient claims.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of S23.3XXD?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, sprain of ligaments of thoracic spine, subsequent encounter converts to ICD-9-CM V58.89 (other specfied aftercare). 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.
