S53.20 vs T33
S53.20 (Traumatic rupture of unspecified radial collateral ligament) compared with T33 (Superficial frostbite), from the official CMS tabular data. Both may be reported when both conditions are documented (Excludes2).
Can these codes be reported together?
Yes, when both are documented. S53.20 carries an Excludes2 note covering T33: “frostbite (T33-T34)”
Excludes2 marks distinct conditions — both may be reported when both are documented.
Side by side
| S53.20Traumatic rupture of unspecified radial collateral ligament | T33Superficial frostbite | |
|---|---|---|
| Billing status | Non-billable header | Non-billable header Report instead: T33.011A, T33.011D, T33.011S, T33.012A, T33.012D |
| Classification | S00-T88 — Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes (S00-T88) | S00-T88 — Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes (S00-T88) |
| Definition | Traumatic rupture of unspecified radial collateral ligament is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (S53.20). | Superficial frostbite is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (T33). |
| 7th character | The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S53 | The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T33 |
| Includes | avulsion of joint or ligament of elbow laceration of cartilage, joint or ligament of elbow sprain of cartilage, joint or ligament of elbow traumatic hemarthrosis of joint or ligament of elbow | frostbite with partial thickness skin loss |
Derived from the official CMS ICD-10-CM tabular data (FY2026). Not billing advice; verify sequencing rules for the encounter. All data sources