S03.9XXA ICD-10-CM Code: Sprain of joints and ligaments of unspecified parts of head, initial encounter
Billing Status: YES. This is a valid, specific, and billable ICD-10-CM reference.
Inpatient Payment Groups (MS-DRG)
MS-DRGs this diagnosis helps define, as principal or secondary, per the CMS ICD-10-CM/PCS MS-DRG Definitions Manual v43.0 (FY2026), Appendix B.
- MS-DRG 562 — FRACTURE, SPRAIN, STRAIN AND DISLOCATION EXCEPT FEMUR, HIP, PELVIS AND THIGH WITH MCC (MDC 08)
- MS-DRG 563 — FRACTURE, SPRAIN, STRAIN AND DISLOCATION EXCEPT FEMUR, HIP, PELVIS AND THIGH WITHOUT MCC (MDC 08)
- MS-DRG 963 — OTHER MULTIPLE SIGNIFICANT TRAUMA WITH MCC (MDC 24)
- MS-DRG 964 — OTHER MULTIPLE SIGNIFICANT TRAUMA WITH CC (MDC 24)
- MS-DRG 965 — OTHER MULTIPLE SIGNIFICANT TRAUMA WITHOUT CC/MCC (MDC 24)
A diagnosis appearing in a group's logic does not by itself determine the DRG assigned to a stay; the grouper uses the full claim.
Code Set: Valid FY2026 and FY2027. FY2026 took effect October 1, 2025.
Official Registry Overview & Definition
Official Tabular Instructional Notes
Sequencing, inclusion, and exclusion notes published for S03.9XXA in the official ICD-10-CM tabular list.
Includes
Conditions the official ICD-10-CM tabular list includes under this code.
- avulsion of joint (capsule) or ligament of head
- laceration of cartilage, joint (capsule) or ligament of head
- sprain of cartilage, joint (capsule) or ligament of head
- traumatic hemarthrosis of joint or ligament of head
- traumatic rupture of joint or ligament of head
- traumatic subluxation of joint or ligament of head
- traumatic tear of joint or ligament of head
- injuries of ear
- injuries of eye
- injuries of face [any part]
- injuries of gum
- injuries of jaw
- injuries of oral cavity
- injuries of palate
- injuries of periocular area
- injuries of scalp
- injuries of temporomandibular joint area
- injuries of tongue
- injuries of tooth
Excludes2 — Not Included Here
Conditions not covered by this code, but which may be reported alongside it when both are present.
- Strain of muscle or tendon of head (S09.1)
- burns and corrosions (T20-T32)
- effects of foreign body in ear (T16)
- effects of foreign body in larynx (T17.3)
- effects of foreign body in mouth NOS (T18.0)
- effects of foreign body in nose (T17.0-T17.1)
- effects of foreign body in pharynx (T17.2)
- effects of foreign body on external eye (T15.-)
- frostbite (T33-T34)
- insect bite or sting, venomous (T63.4)
Code Also
Additional codes that may be required to fully describe the encounter.
- any associated open wound
- for any associated infection
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Clinical Guidance
Does S03.9XXA require a 7th character?
Yes. The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S03.
Nearest Codes in This Family
Official ICD-10-CM classifications closest to S03.9XXA in its code family, with their registry titles.
- S03.43 — Sprain of jaw, bilateral
- S03.43XA — Sprain of jaw, bilateral, initial encounter
- S03.43XD — Sprain of jaw, bilateral, subsequent encounter
- S03.43XS — Sprain of jaw, bilateral, sequela
- S03.8 — Sprain of joints and ligaments of other parts of head
- S03.8XXA — Sprain of joints and ligaments of other parts of head, initial encounter
- S03.8XXD — Sprain of joints and ligaments of other parts of head, subsequent encounter
- S03.8XXS — Sprain of joints and ligaments of other parts of head, sequela
- S03.9 — Sprain of joints and ligaments of unspecified parts of head
- S03.9XXD — Sprain of joints and ligaments of unspecified parts of head, subsequent encounter