ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for pharynx laceration
Laceration without foreign body of pharynx and cervical esophagus
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Laceration › pharynx”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding pharynx laceration
The ICD-10-CM code for pharynx laceration is S11.21 (Laceration without foreign body of pharynx and cervical esophagus). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on S11.21.
Within S11.2, choose S11.21 (Laceration without foreign body of pharynx and cervical esophagus) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: unspecified open wound of pharynx and cervical esophagus (S11.20), laceration with foreign body of pharynx and cervical esophagus (S11.22), puncture wound without foreign body of pharynx and cervical esophagus (S11.23), puncture wound with foreign body of pharynx and cervical esophagus (S11.24) and open bite of pharynx and cervical esophagus (S11.25).
Codes in this range require a 7th character: A for initial encounter, D for subsequent encounter and S for sequela. Use placeholder "X" characters to fill any empty positions before the 7th character.
It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.
More specific pharynx laceration codes (official index)
- with foreign body S11.22 — Laceration with foreign body of pharynx and cervical esophagus
Common questions about pharynx laceration ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for pharynx laceration?
- S11.21 — Laceration without foreign body of pharynx and cervical esophagus (a header code; report a more specific subcode). More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: S11.22.
Is S11.21 billable?
- No. S11.21 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.