S23.42
Non-Billable

Sprain of sternum

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Sprain of sternum?

ICD-10-CM S23.42 is the diagnosis code for Sprain of sternum. 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.

Coding Guidelines for S23.42

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.

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where S23.42 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 4 entries
S23.420Sprain of sternoclavicular (joint) (ligament)BillableS23.421Sprain of chondrosternal jointBillableS23.428Other sprain of sternumBillableS23.429Unspecified sprain of sternumBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is S23.42 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, S23.42 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does S23.42 mean?

S23.42 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Sprain of sternum". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of S23.42?

The parent code of S23.42 is S23.4 ("Sprain of ribs and sternum"). S23.42 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is S23.42 in?

S23.42 is located in Section S20-S29 — "Injuries to the thorax" within Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of S23.42?

S23.42 has 4 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: S23.420, S23.421, S23.428, S23.429.

When should I use S23.42?

Use S23.42 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Sprain of sternum" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Sprain of sternum?

The ICD-10-CM code for Sprain of sternum is S23.42.

Can S23.42 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, S23.42 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is S23.42 in?

S23.42 is in Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is S23.42 valid for 2026?

Yes, S23.42 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousS23.41Sprain of ribsNext →S23.420Sprain of sternoclavicular (joint) (ligament)
Code Details
S23.42
Sprain of sternum
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
19 — Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
S20-S29 — Injuries to the thorax
2026 ICD-10-CM