Version 2024

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S34.12

Incomplete lesion of lumbar spinal cord

ICD-10-CM Code:
S34.12
ICD-10 Code for:
Incomplete lesion of lumbar spinal cord
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
    (S00–T88)
    • Injuries to the abdomen, lower back, lumbar spine, pelvis and external genitals
      (S30-S39)
      • Injury of lumbar and sacral spinal cord and nerves at abdomen, lower back and pelvis level
        (S34)

S34.12 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of incomplete lesion of lumbar spinal cord. 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 Incomplete lesion of lumbar spinal cord

Non-specific codes like S34.12 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 incomplete lesion of lumbar spinal cord:

  • S34.121 for Incomplete lesion of L1 level of lumbar spinal cord - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S34.121A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S34.121D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S34.121S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • S34.122 for Incomplete lesion of L2 level of lumbar spinal cord - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S34.122A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S34.122D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S34.122S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • S34.123 for Incomplete lesion of L3 level of lumbar spinal cord - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S34.123A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S34.123D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S34.123S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • S34.124 for Incomplete lesion of L4 level of lumbar spinal cord - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S34.124A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S34.124D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S34.124S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • S34.125 for Incomplete lesion of L5 level of lumbar spinal cord - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S34.125A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S34.125D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S34.125S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • S34.129 for Incomplete lesion of unspecified level of lumbar spinal cord - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S34.129A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S34.129D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S34.129S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

Coding Guidelines

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Injury of lumbar and sacral spinal cord and nerves at abdomen, lower back and pelvis level (S34). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

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

Patient Education


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. Most injuries don't cut through your spinal cord. Instead, they cause damage when pieces of vertebrae tear into cord tissue or press down on the nerve parts that carry signals.

Spinal cord injuries can be complete or incomplete. With a complete spinal cord injury, the cord can't send signals below the level of the injury. As a result, you are paralyzed below the injury. With an incomplete injury, you have some movement and sensation below the injury.

A spinal cord injury is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment can reduce long-term effects. Treatments may include medicines, braces or traction to stabilize the spine, and surgery. Later treatment usually includes medicines and rehabilitation therapy. Mobility aids and assistive devices may help you to get around and do some daily tasks.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

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.