Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
ICD-10-CM S21.23 is the diagnosis code for Puncture wound without foreign body of back wall of thorax without penetration into thoracic cavity. This code falls under the section "Injuries to the thorax" 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.
Always refer to the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List for complete coding guidelines. Ensure documentation supports the specificity of the code selected. When in doubt, consult a certified medical coder or the latest CMS guidelines.
Understanding where S21.23 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:
No, S21.23 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.
S21.23 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Puncture wound without foreign body of back wall of thorax without penetration into thoracic cavity". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.
The parent code of S21.23 is S21.2 ("Open wound of back wall of thorax without penetration into thoracic cavity"). S21.23 provides a more specific classification within this category.
S21.23 is located in Section S20-S29 — "Injuries to the thorax" within Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
S21.23 has 3 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: S21.231, S21.232, S21.239.
Use S21.23 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Puncture wound without foreign body of back wall of thorax without penetration into thoracic cavity" 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 Puncture wound without foreign body of back wall of thorax without penetration into thoracic cavity is S21.23.
No, S21.23 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.
S21.23 is in Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Yes, S21.23 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.