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ICD-10/S15.11

S15.11 ICD-10-CM Code: Minor laceration of vertebral artery

Billing Status: NO. This is a clinician non-billable / parent hierarchy grouping in the ICD-10-CM system.

Code Set: Valid FY2026 and FY2027. FY2026 took effect October 1, 2025.

Official Registry Overview & Definition

Minor laceration of vertebral artery is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (S15.11). A more specific billable subcode must be selected for claims submission.

Official Tabular Instructional Notes

Sequencing, inclusion, and exclusion notes published for S15.11 in the official ICD-10-CM tabular list.

Includes

Conditions the official ICD-10-CM tabular list includes under this code.

  • injuries of nape
  • injuries of supraclavicular region
  • injuries of throat

Inclusion Terms

Alternative terms the tabular list files under this code.

  • Incomplete transection of vertebral artery
  • Laceration of vertebral artery NOS
  • Superficial laceration of vertebral artery

Excludes2 — Not Included Here

Conditions not covered by this code, but which may be reported alongside it when both are present.

  • burns and corrosions (T20-T32)
  • effects of foreign body in esophagus (T18.1)
  • effects of foreign body in larynx (T17.3)
  • effects of foreign body in pharynx (T17.2)
  • effects of foreign body in trachea (T17.4)
  • 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 (S11.-)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Clinical Guidance

Can S15.11 be billed directly?

No. S15.11 (Minor laceration of vertebral artery) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code. A more specific billable subcode must be selected based on clinical documentation.

Does S15.11 require a 7th character?

Yes. The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S15.

Nearest Codes in This Family

Official ICD-10-CM classifications closest to S15.11 in its code family, with their registry titles.

  • S15.102S — Unspecified injury of left vertebral artery, sequela
  • S15.109 — Unspecified injury of unspecified vertebral artery
  • S15.109A — Unspecified injury of unspecified vertebral artery, initial encounter
  • S15.109D — Unspecified injury of unspecified vertebral artery, subsequent encounter
  • S15.109S — Unspecified injury of unspecified vertebral artery, sequela
  • S15.111 — Minor laceration of right vertebral artery
  • S15.111A — Minor laceration of right vertebral artery, initial encounter
  • S15.111D — Minor laceration of right vertebral artery, subsequent encounter
  • S15.111S — Minor laceration of right vertebral artery, sequela
  • S15.112 — Minor laceration of left vertebral artery

View all codes in the S15 family