2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T81.83XSPersistent postprocedural fistula, sequela
T81.83XS is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for persistent postprocedural fistula, 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) and groups to MS-DRG 922 through 923. The code is exempt from POA reporting. Coders also document this condition as external stoma fistula. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Complication, sequela.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Present on Admission (POA)Billing
T81.83XS 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.
- External stoma fistula
- Internal stoma fistula
- Persistent postoperative fistula
- Postoperative fistula
- Postoperative fistula of ureter
- Postoperative urinary bladder fistula
- Ureteric fistula
Coding GuidelinesGuidance
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Complications of procedures, not elsewhere classified (T81). 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.
Clinical InformationClinical
Ureteric Fistula
an abnormal communication between the ureter and another organ or anatomic site.
Patient EducationClinical
Fistulas
A fistula is an abnormal connection between two parts inside of the body. Fistulas may develop between different organs, such as between the esophagus and the windpipe or the bowel and the vagina. They can also develop between two blood vessels, such as between an artery and a vein or between two arteries.
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Convert T81.83XS to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About T81.83XSOverview
Is T81.83XS (Persistent postprocedural fistula) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report persistent postprocedural fistula, sequela on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What does the 7th character S in T81.83XS mean?
The final character S makes this a sequela code: it reports a lingering problem that remains after the persistent postprocedural fistula itself has resolved, not the original event.
What MS-DRG does T81.83XS group to?
When persistent postprocedural fistula, sequela is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 922, 923, with relative weights from 1.0177 to 1.7494 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
Is T81.83XS 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 persistent postprocedural fistula, sequela on inpatient claims.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of T81.83XS?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, persistent postprocedural fistula, sequela converts to ICD-9-CM 909.3 (late eff surg/med compl). 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.
