2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S40.222ABlister (nonthermal) of left shoulder, initial encounter
S40.222A is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for blister (nonthermal) of left shoulder, 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 604 through 605, 963 through 965. Coders also document this condition as blister of shoulder with infection. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Superficial injury; contusion, initial encounter.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Blister of shoulder with infection
- Left shoulder blister with infection
- Traumatic blister of left shoulder
- Traumatic blister of shoulder
Coding GuidelinesGuidance
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 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
Blisters
Blisters are fluid-filled sacs on the outer layer of your skin. They form because of rubbing, heat, or diseases of the skin. They are most common on your hands and feet.
The full article covers:
- What are blisters?
- What causes blisters?
- What are the treatments for blisters?
- Can blisters be prevented?
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Convert S40.222A to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About S40.222AOverview
Is S40.222A (Blister (nonthermal) of left shoulder) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report blister (nonthermal) of left shoulder, initial encounter on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What does the 7th character A in S40.222A mean?
The final character A marks the initial encounter: use it while the patient is receiving active treatment for blister (nonthermal) of left shoulder, such as an emergency visit or first evaluation.
What MS-DRG does S40.222A group to?
When blister (nonthermal) of left shoulder, initial encounter is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 604, 605, 963, 964, 965, with relative weights from 0.9160 to 2.7338 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of S40.222A?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, blister (nonthermal) of left shoulder, initial encounter converts to ICD-9-CM 912.2 (blister shoulder & arm). 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.
