2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S34.122SIncomplete lesion of L2 level of lumbar spinal cord, sequela
ICD-10-CM Codes›S00–T88›S30-S39›S34
- Billable — Valid for Submission
- POA Exempt
- 7th Character S — Sequela
- Chronic Condition
S34.122S is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for incomplete lesion of L2 level of lumbar spinal cord, 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). The code is exempt from POA reporting. Coders also document this condition as anterior cord syndrome of lumbar spinal cord. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Injury, sequela.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Present on Admission (POA)Billing
S34.122S 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.
- Anterior cord syndrome of lumbar spinal cord
- Anterior cord syndrome of lumbar spinal cord at L2 level
- Brown-Séquard syndrome at L2 level
- Brown-Séquard syndrome of lumbar spinal cord
- Central cord syndrome of lumbar spinal cord at L2 level
- Posterior cord syndrome of lumbar spinal cord
- Posterior cord syndrome of lumbar spinal cord at L2 level
Coding GuidelinesGuidance
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 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
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Convert S34.122S to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About S34.122SOverview
Is S34.122S (Incomplete lesion of L2 level of lumbar spinal cord) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report incomplete lesion of L2 level of lumbar spinal cord, sequela on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What does the 7th character S in S34.122S mean?
The final character S makes this a sequela code: it reports a lingering problem that remains after the incomplete lesion of L2 level of lumbar spinal cord itself has resolved, not the original event.
Is S34.122S 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 incomplete lesion of L2 level of lumbar spinal cord, sequela on inpatient claims.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of S34.122S?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, incomplete lesion of L2 level of lumbar spinal cord, sequela converts to ICD-9-CM 907.2 (late eff spinal cord inj). 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.
