S39.012 is the authoritative medical code for Strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of lower back. This classification is used in medical billing and clinical recording to specify the clinical criteria for strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of lower back (ICD-10-CM S39.012), ensuring healthcare documentation aligns with 2026 federal coding standards.
Billing Status: NO. This is a clinician non-billable / parent hierarchy grouping in the ICD-10-CM system.
Official Registry Overview & Definition
Strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of lower back is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code S39.012. A more specific billable subcode must be selected for claims submission. Includes: injuries to the abdominal wall; injuries to the anus; injuries to the buttock; injuries to the external genitalia; injuries to the flank; injuries to the groin. Excludes2 (not included here): sprain of joints and ligaments of lumbar spine and pelvis S33.-; burns and corrosions T20-T32; effects of foreign body in anus and rectum T18.5; effects of foreign body in genitourinary tract T19.-; effects of foreign body in stomach, small intestine and colon T18.2-T18.4; frostbite T33-T34; insect bite or sting, venomous T63.4. Code also: any associated open wound S31.-. 7th character: The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S39.
Official Tabular Instructional Notes
Sequencing, inclusion, and exclusion notes published for S39.012 in the official ICD-10-CM tabular list.
Includes
Conditions the official ICD-10-CM tabular list includes under this code.
- injuries to the abdominal wall
- injuries to the anus
- injuries to the buttock
- injuries to the external genitalia
- injuries to the flank
- injuries to the groin
Excludes2 — Not Included Here
Conditions not covered by this code, but which may be reported alongside it when both are present.
- sprain of joints and ligaments of lumbar spine and pelvis S33.-
- burns and corrosions T20-T32
- effects of foreign body in anus and rectum T18.5
- effects of foreign body in genitourinary tract T19.-
- effects of foreign body in stomach, small intestine and colon T18.2-T18.4
- 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 S31.-
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Clinical Guidance
Can S39.012 be billed directly?
No. S39.012 (Strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of lower back) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code. A more specific billable subcode must be selected based on clinical documentation.
Does S39.012 require a 7th character?
Yes. The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S39.
Can S39.012 be reported alongside related conditions?
Per official ICD-10-CM Excludes2 instructions, S39.012 and the following are not considered part of each other and may both be reported when both conditions are present: sprain of joints and ligaments of lumbar spine and pelvis (S33.-); burns and corrosions (T20-T32); effects of foreign body in anus and rectum (T18.5); effects of foreign body in genitourinary tract (T19.-).
Nearest Codes in This Family
Official ICD-10-CM classifications closest to S39.012 in its code family, with their registry titles.
- S39.012A — Strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of lower back, initial encounter
- S39.012D — Strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of lower back, subsequent encounter
- S39.012S — Strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of lower back, sequela
Indexed Clinical Terms (3)
Clinical term phrases from the official ICD-10-CM Index to Diseases and Injuries that map to this code.
- Injury, muscle (and fascia) (and tendon), lower back, strain
- Strain, back
- Strain, low back