2025 ICD-10-CM code S19
Unspecified injuries to the neck. This code encompasses injuries where the specific type or location isn't documented.
Medical necessity is established by the nature and severity of the neck injury.Documentation should support the need for diagnostic testing, treatment, and any associated procedures.
Diagnosis of neck injuries is based on patient history, physical exam (wound assessment, sensation, reflexes, vascular structures), and imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT). Treatment can involve bleeding control, wound cleaning, topical medications, immobilization, airway management, medication (analgesics, antibiotics, tetanus prophylaxis), and potentially surgery.
In simple words: This code represents injuries to the neck that aren't covered by a more specific code. This could be anything from a cut to a crush injury, or when the doctor doesn't know exactly what kind of injury it is or where it is on the neck.
Other specified and unspecified injuries of neck. This includes injuries such as punctures, gunshot wounds, compression injuries, and iatrogenic injuries during procedures.It also includes injuries to various parts of the neck, as well as cases where the specific location or type of injury is not documented.
Example 1: A patient presents with a neck injury following a motor vehicle accident. The physician documents "neck pain" but does not specify the type or location of the injury. S19 is appropriate., A patient is stabbed in the neck during an altercation. The documentation describes the injury as a "puncture wound to the neck," but the specific location isn't detailed.S19 is applicable., A patient experiences neck pain after a fall. Imaging reveals soft tissue damage, but no fractures or dislocations.The physician documents "neck strain," but the specific muscle involved isn't identified. S19 can be used.
Documentation should include the cause and nature of the injury, physical examination findings (including wound assessment, neurological evaluation, and vascular assessment), and results of imaging studies.If the specific type or location of the injury is known, a more specific code should be used.
** This code should not be used for birth trauma (P10-P15), obstetric trauma (O70-O71), burns and corrosions (T20-T32), or the effects of a foreign body in the esophagus, larynx, pharynx, or trachea (T17.2-T18.1).
- Specialties:Trauma Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office