2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S24.134AAnterior cord syndrome at T11-T12 level of thoracic spinal cord, initial encounter
ICD-10-CM Codes›S00–T88›S20-S29›S24
- Billable — Valid for Submission
- 7th Character A — Initial Encounter
- Chronic Condition
S24.134A is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for anterior cord syndrome at T11-T12 level of thoracic spinal cord, initial encounter. The 7th character A marks it as an initial encounter code, used while the patient is receiving active treatment. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 963 through 965. Coders also document this condition as anterior cord syndrome of thoracic spinal cord at T11 level. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Spinal cord injury (SCI), initial encounter.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Anterior cord syndrome of thoracic spinal cord at T11 level
- Anterior cord syndrome of thoracic spinal cord at T12 level
Coding GuidelinesGuidance
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Injury of nerves and spinal cord at thorax level (S24). 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
Spinal Cord Injuries
Your spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of your back. It carries signals back and forth between your body and your brain. A spinal cord injury disrupts the signals. Spinal cord injuries usually begin with a blow that fractures (breaks) or dislocates your vertebrae, the bone disks that make up your spine.
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
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Convert S24.134A to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About S24.134AOverview
Is S24.134A a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report anterior cord syndrome at T11-T12 level of thoracic spinal cord, initial encounter on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What does the 7th character A in S24.134A mean?
The final character A marks the initial encounter: use it while the patient is receiving active treatment for anterior cord syndrome at T11-T12 level of thoracic spinal cord, such as an emergency visit or first evaluation.
What MS-DRG does S24.134A group to?
When anterior cord syndrome at T11-T12 level of thoracic spinal cord, initial encounter is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 963, 964, 965, with relative weights from 0.9405 to 2.7338 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of S24.134A?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, anterior cord syndrome at T11-T12 level of thoracic spinal cord, initial encounter converts to ICD-9-CM 952.17 (anterior cord syn/t7-t12). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.
Footnotes
[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:
- The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
- The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.
