2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S53.103

Unspecified subluxation of unspecified ulnohumeral joint

ICD-10-CM Code:
S53.103
ICD-10 Code for:
Unspecified subluxation of unspecified ulnohumeral joint
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)
      • Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow
        (S53)

S53.103 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of unspecified subluxation of unspecified ulnohumeral joint. 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 S53.103 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 Unspecified subluxation of unspecified ulnohumeral joint

Non-specific codes like S53.103 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 unspecified subluxation of unspecified ulnohumeral joint:

  • Use S53.103A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S53.103D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S53.103S 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:

  • Closed fracture dislocation elbow joint
  • Closed fracture dislocation elbow joint
  • Closed fracture dislocation superior radioulnar joint
  • Closed fracture subluxation of elbow joint
  • Closed fracture subluxation of elbow joint
  • Closed fracture subluxation superior radioulnar joint
  • Closed traumatic subluxation of elbow
  • Fracture subluxation of elbow joint
  • Fracture subluxation of elbow joint
  • Fracture subluxation of elbow joint
  • Fracture subluxation of elbow joint
  • Fracture subluxation of superior radioulnar joint
  • Open fracture dislocation elbow joint
  • Open fracture dislocation elbow joint
  • Open fracture dislocation superior radioulnar joint
  • Open fracture subluxation of elbow joint
  • Open fracture subluxation superior radioulnar joint
  • Open traumatic dislocation superior radioulnar joint
  • Open traumatic dislocation superior radioulnar joint
  • Open traumatic subluxation of elbow
  • Open traumatic subluxation of elbow
  • Open traumatic subluxation of elbow
  • Open traumatic subluxation superior radioulnar joint
  • Open traumatic subluxation superior radioulnar joint
  • Subluxation of elbow joint

Coding Guidelines

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow (S53). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

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

Patient Education


Dislocations

Dislocations are joint injuries that force the ends of your bones out of position. The cause is often a fall or a blow, sometimes from playing a contact sport. You can dislocate your ankles, knees, shoulders, hips, elbows and jaw. You can also dislocate your finger and toe joints. Dislocated joints often are swollen, very painful and visibly out of place. You may not be able to move it.

A dislocated joint is an emergency. If you have one, seek medical attention. Treatment depends on which joint you dislocate and the severity of the injury. It might include manipulations to reposition your bones, medicine, a splint or sling, and rehabilitation. When properly repositioned, a joint will usually function and move normally again in a few weeks. Once you dislocate a shoulder or kneecap, you are more likely to dislocate it again. Wearing protective gear during sports may help prevent dislocations.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Elbow Injuries and Disorders

Your elbow joint is made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments and fluid. Muscles and tendons help the elbow joint move. When any of these structures is hurt or diseased, you have elbow problems.

Many things can make your elbow hurt. A common cause is tendinitis, an inflammation or injury to the tendons that attach muscle to bone. Tendinitis of the elbow is a sports injury, often from playing tennis or golf. You may also get tendinitis from overuse of the elbow.

Other causes of elbow pain include sprains and strains, fractures (broken bones), dislocations, bursitis, and arthritis. Treatment depends on the cause.


[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.