2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S40.869

Insect bite (nonvenomous) of unspecified upper arm

ICD-10-CM Code:
S40.869
ICD-10 Code for:
Insect bite (nonvenomous) of unspecified upper arm
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
    (S00–T88)
    • Injuries to the shoulder and upper arm
      (S40-S49)
      • Superficial injury of shoulder and upper arm
        (S40)

S40.869 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of insect bite (nonvenomous) of unspecified upper arm. 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.

Unspecified diagnosis codes like S40.869 are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.

Specific Coding Applicable to Insect bite (nonvenomous) of unspecified upper arm

Non-specific codes like S40.869 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 insect bite (nonvenomous) of unspecified upper arm:

  • Use S40.869A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S40.869D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S40.869S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

Approximate Synonyms

The following clinical terms are approximate synonyms or lay terms that might be used to identify the correct diagnosis code:

  • Animal bite of axilla
  • Animal bite of axilla
  • Animal bite of axilla
  • Animal bite of upper arm
  • Animal bite of upper arm
  • Animal bite of upper arm
  • Bite in axilla
  • Bite in axilla
  • Bite in axilla
  • Insect bite to arm - nonvenomous
  • Insect bite, nonvenomous, of axilla
  • Insect bite, nonvenomous, of axilla
  • Insect bite, nonvenomous, of shoulder
  • Insect bite, nonvenomous, of shoulder and upper arm, infected
  • Insect bite, nonvenomous, of upper arm
  • Insect bite, nonvenomous, of upper arm
  • Insect bite, nonvenomous, of upper arm
  • Nonvenomous insect bite of axilla with infection
  • Nonvenomous insect bite of axilla without infection
  • Nonvenomous insect bite of shoulder with infection
  • Nonvenomous insect bite of upper arm with infection
  • Nonvenomous insect bite of upper arm with infection
  • Superficial injury of axilla with infection
  • Superficial injury of axilla without infection
  • Superficial injury of shoulder and upper arm
  • Superficial injury of shoulder and upper arm with infection
  • Superficial injury of shoulder with infection
  • Superficial injury of upper arm with infection
  • Superficial injury of upper arm with infection

Coding Guidelines

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Superficial injury of shoulder and upper arm (S40). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

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

Patient Education


Insect Bites and Stings

Most insect bites are harmless, though they sometimes cause discomfort. Bee, wasp, and hornet stings and fire ant bites usually hurt. Mosquito and flea bites usually itch. Insects can also spread diseases. In the United States, some mosquitoes spread West Nile virus. Travelers outside the United States may be at risk for malaria and other infections.

To prevent insect bites and their complications:

  • Don't bother insects
  • Use insect repellant
  • Wear protective clothing
  • Be careful when you eat outside because food attracts insects
  • If you know you have severe allergic reactions to insect bites and stings (such as anaphylaxis), carry an emergency epinephrine kit

[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.