2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S50.369

Insect bite (nonvenomous) of unspecified elbow

ICD-10-CM Code:
S50.369
ICD-10 Code for:
Insect bite (nonvenomous) of unspecified elbow
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
    (S00–T88)
    • Injuries to the elbow and forearm
      (S50-S59)
      • Superficial injury of elbow and forearm
        (S50)

S50.369 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 elbow. 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 S50.369 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 elbow

Non-specific codes like S50.369 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 elbow:

  • Use S50.369A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S50.369D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S50.369S 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:

  • Insect bite, nonvenomous, of elbow
  • Insect bite, nonvenomous, of elbow
  • Nonvenomous insect bite of elbow with infection
  • Nonvenomous insect bite of elbow without infection
  • Superficial injury of elbow with infection
  • Superficial injury of elbow without infection

Coding Guidelines

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Superficial injury of elbow and forearm (S50). 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.