2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S23.3XXSSprain of ligaments of thoracic spine, sequela
S23.3XXS is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for sprain of ligaments of thoracic spine, sequela. The 7th character S marks it as a sequela code, which reports a problem that remains after the original condition has resolved. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 562 through 563. 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 Injury, sequela.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Present on Admission (POA)Billing
S23.3XXS 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 S23.3XXS to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About S23.3XXSOverview
Is S23.3XXS (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, sequela on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What does the 7th character S in S23.3XXS mean?
The final character S makes this a sequela code: it reports a lingering problem that remains after the sprain of ligaments of thoracic spine itself has resolved, not the original event.
What MS-DRG does S23.3XXS group to?
When sprain of ligaments of thoracic spine, sequela is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 562, 563, with relative weights from 0.8955 to 1.4248 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
Is S23.3XXS 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, sequela on inpatient claims.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of S23.3XXS?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, sprain of ligaments of thoracic spine, sequela converts to ICD-9-CM 905.7 (late effec sprain/strain). 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.
