ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for chest flail
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Flail › chest”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding chest flail
The ICD-10-CM code for chest flail is S22.5 (Flail chest). The official index lists 2 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on S22.5.
Within S22 (fracture of rib(s), sternum and thoracic spine), S22.5 is specifically for Flail chest. Related codes cover fracture of thoracic vertebra (S22.0), fracture of sternum (S22.2), fracture of one rib (S22.3), multiple fractures of ribs (S22.4) and fracture of bony thorax, part unspecified (S22.9).
Codes in this range require a 7th character: A for initial encounter for closed fracture, B for initial encounter for open fracture, D for subsequent encounter for fracture with routine healing, G for subsequent encounter for fracture with delayed healing, K for subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion and S for sequela. Use placeholder "X" characters to fill any empty positions before the 7th character.
Code first: , if applicable, spinal cord injury (S24.0-, S24.1-).
More specific chest flail codes (official index)
Common questions about chest flail ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for chest flail?
- S22.5 — Flail chest (a header code; report a more specific subcode). More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: M96.A4, P13.8.
What is the ICD-10 code for newborn chest flail?
- P13.8 — Birth injuries to other parts of skeleton.
Is S22.5 billable?
- No. S22.5 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.