Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
ICD-10-CM S15.12 is the diagnosis code for Major laceration of vertebral artery. This code falls under the section "Injuries to the neck" within Chapter 19 — Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.
Understanding where S15.12 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:
No, S15.12 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.
S15.12 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Major laceration of vertebral artery". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.
The parent code of S15.12 is S15.1 ("Injury of vertebral artery"). S15.12 provides a more specific classification within this category.
S15.12 is located in Section S10-S19 — "Injuries to the neck" within Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
S15.12 has 3 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: S15.121, S15.122, S15.129.
Use S15.12 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Major laceration of vertebral artery" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.
The ICD-10-CM code for Major laceration of vertebral artery is S15.12.
No, S15.12 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.
S15.12 is in Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Yes, S15.12 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.