{"id":177259,"date":"2026-08-13T13:30:21","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T13:30:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/?p=177259"},"modified":"2026-08-13T14:33:35","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T14:33:35","slug":"icd-10-code-s63491a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/","title":{"rendered":"ICD-10 code S63.491A: Traumatic rupture of left index finger ligament"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"MedicalWebPage\",\"headline\":\"ICD-10 code S63.491A: Traumatic rupture of left index finger ligament\",\"description\":\"ICD-10 code S63.491A covers traumatic rupture of other ligament of the left index finger at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint, initial encounter. Includes billable status, 7th character options, code hierarchy, related codes, CPT pairings, and documentation requirements.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/\",\"audience\":{\"@type\":\"MedicalAudience\",\"audienceType\":\"Clinician\"},\"reviewedBy\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Dr Vanja Kitanova\",\"jobTitle\":\"Medical Reviewer\",\"affiliation\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Pabau\"},\"knowsAbout\":[\"Medical Coding\",\"Clinical Documentation\",\"Healthcare Billing\",\"Clinical Safety\"],\"sameAs\":\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/author\/vanja\/\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-25\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-13\"}<\/script>\n\n\n        <div id=\"key_takeaways\">\n            <div class=\"header\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Key-Takeaways-Icon.svg\" alt=\"Key takeaways\" height=\"42\" width=\"42\">\n                                <h3>Key takeaways<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"list\">\n                                                            <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>ICD-10 code S63.491A covers traumatic rupture of other ligament of the left index finger, initial encounter.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>Right index finger injuries take S63.490A instead. In this code family an even final digit means right and an odd digit means left.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>S63.491A is a billable, specific ICD-10-CM code valid for HIPAA-covered transactions. The 2026 edition took effect October 1, 2025.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>The 7th character A means active treatment. Use D for a subsequent encounter and S for sequela, since the wrong character is the most common error.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>Practice management software like Pabau pairs diagnosis codes with the right CPT codes and records encounter type, so claims leave complete.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">S63.491A is the ICD-10-CM code for a traumatic rupture of another ligament of the left index finger, initial encounter. It is billable only with that 7th character attached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This reference covers the official descriptor, the 7th character options, and the code hierarchy. It also covers the sibling codes coders confuse it with, the CPT pairings, and the documentation a clean claim needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"ICD-10 Revisions: Stay Updated or Fall Behind\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bqAyb-BCA0w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-s63-491a-at-a-glance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">S63.491A at a glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">S63.491A is a billable, specific ICD-10-CM diagnosis code. It covers traumatic rupture of other ligament of the left index finger at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint, initial encounter. The table below captures the core facts coders need before submitting a claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Field<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Detail<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Code<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S63.491A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Full descriptor<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Traumatic rupture of other ligament of left index finger at metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint, initial encounter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Billable\/specific<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Yes, valid for HIPAA-covered transactions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">ICD-10-CM edition<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">2026 (effective October 1, 2025)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Code type<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Injury code, Chapter 19 (S00-T88)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">7th character<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">A = Initial encounter; D = Subsequent encounter; S = Sequela<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Laterality<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Left index finger (digit-specific and side-specific)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Parent code<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S63.4, traumatic rupture of ligament of finger at metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-does-s63-491a-mean\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does S63.491A mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every component of the S63.491A descriptor carries a specific coding meaning. Reading it as a sequence of qualifiers helps coders confirm they have the right code before submitting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Traumatic rupture:<\/strong> A complete or partial tear caused by external force, not by a degenerative or chronic process. That distinction separates it from a degenerative ligament condition coded elsewhere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Other ligament:<\/strong> Refers to ligaments of the finger that are not the collateral ligaments, which have their own codes in S63.4. \u00ab\u00a0Other\u00a0\u00bb in ICD-10-CM means a ligament not named in a more specific code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Left index finger:<\/strong> Laterality and digit are both coded, the index finger being the second digit of the hand. Both must be documented by the treating clinician.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP):<\/strong> The knuckle joint connecting the metacarpal bone of the hand to the proximal phalanx of the finger.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interphalangeal joint (IP):<\/strong> Includes the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints of the index finger.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Initial encounter (7th character A):<\/strong> The patient is receiving active treatment for this injury. This applies to the first visit and all follow-up visits during the active treatment phase.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The distinction between \u00ab\u00a0other ligament\u00a0\u00bb and the named ligaments matters. ICD-10-CM gives the collateral ligament its own subcategory at S63.41, the palmar ligament S63.42, and the volar plate S63.43. If the note identifies the radial or ulnar collateral ligament, S63.411A is the left index finger code instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the note names no ligament at all, use S63.401A for an unspecified ligament of the left index finger. On the other hand that same code is <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63400a\/\" rel=\"noopener\">S63.400A<\/a>. Reserve S63.491A for a documented ligament that is none of the three named types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-anatomy-metacarpophalangeal-and-interphalangeal-joints-of-the-index-finger\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Anatomy: metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the index finger<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coders do not need clinical anatomy training to apply S63.491A correctly. Knowing which joints the code references does help, because it heads off documentation disputes with physicians and payers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The index finger has three joints. The MCP joint sits at the base where the finger meets the hand. Moving distally, the PIP joint is the first knuckle along the finger shaft, and the DIP joint sits closest to the fingertip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">S63.491A covers traumatic ligament ruptures at any of these joint levels in the left index finger. The ligament involved has to be one with no named subcategory of its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Joint<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Abbreviation<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Location on the finger<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Coding relevance<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Metacarpophalangeal<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">MCP<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Base of finger, where it meets the hand<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Specified in the S63.491A descriptor; must be documented<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Proximal interphalangeal<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">PIP<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">First knuckle along finger shaft<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Falls under \u00ab\u00a0interphalangeal joint\u00a0\u00bb in the descriptor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Distal interphalangeal<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">DIP<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Closest joint to the fingertip<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Falls under \u00ab\u00a0interphalangeal joint\u00a0\u00bb in the descriptor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Laterality is non-negotiable for this code. S63.491A is the left index finger, and nothing else. Billing it for a right index finger injury is a coding error, because the right-side code at these same joints is S63.490A. Practices using <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/features\/medical-records-management\/\" rel=\"noopener\">clinical documentation workflows<\/a> that capture laterality at intake catch this before it reaches the coder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pabau.com\/cdn\/attachments\/pulse\/content-engine\/diagnostic_codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/comprehensive-emr-patient-record-management.webp\" alt=\"Comprehensive EMR &amp; patient record management\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Pabau&rsquo;s client records keep side and digit in structured fields, so laterality reaches the coder instead of getting lost in free text.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px;width:800px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-7th-character-breakdown-s63-491a-s63-491d-and-s63-491s\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">7th character breakdown: S63.491A, S63.491D, and S63.491S<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 7th character is required for all injury codes in the S63 category. Without it, the code is not billable. The three options for S63.491 determine which phase of care is being billed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Code<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">7th character<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Encounter type<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">When to use<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S63.491A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Initial encounter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Patient is receiving active treatment. Covers the first visit and every follow-up in that phase, including splinting, casting, surgery, and therapy for the acute injury<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S63.491D<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">D<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Subsequent encounter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Injury is in the healing phase and the patient is seen for routine follow-up after active treatment is complete. No new active interventions directed at the injury itself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S63.491S<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Sequela<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Late effects that persist after the injury has healed, such as chronic joint instability or stiffness from the original rupture<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-s63-491a-initial-encounter-7th-character-a\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">S63.491A: Initial encounter (7th character A)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines define initial encounter as the period when the patient is receiving active treatment, not just the first calendar visit. A patient seen on visit three for a wound check while still in a splint is still in the initial encounter phase. Use S63.491A as long as treatment is ongoing and directed at the acute injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the code most frequently billed for traumatic finger ligament injuries seen in urgent care, emergency departments, orthopedic practices, and hand surgery practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-s63-491d-subsequent-encounter-7th-character-d\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">S63.491D: Subsequent encounter (7th character D)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Switch to S63.491D once active treatment has concluded and the patient is seen for monitoring, suture removal, or routine healing checks. Visit number does not drive the switch from A to D. Clinical status does. Ask whether the patient is still receiving active intervention or the injury is now healing on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rehabilitation visits after the acute phase ends take D, not A, as the 7th character. Billing A through an entire course of rehabilitation is a reliable way to attract a payer audit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-s63-491s-sequela-7th-character-s\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">S63.491S: Sequela (7th character S)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sequela codes apply when the patient presents with a direct late effect of the original injury. Chronic PIP joint instability is one example. Post-traumatic arthritis in the left index finger is another, provided it traces back to the prior rupture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When using S, the sequela condition itself is typically sequenced first. S63.491S is then sequenced as an additional code to explain the cause.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"pro_tip\">\n            <div class=\"img\">\n                <svg width=\"42\" height=\"42\" viewBox=\"0 0 42 42\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M12.6383 19.5238C12.6632 21.2071 12.8734 22.9926 12.0685 24.5523C11.0341 26.8917 8.45076 28.169 7.56292 30.5918C6.63082 33.1061 7.19505 36.185 9.31371 37.9786C10.929 39.5678 13.4183 39.9873 15.6061 39.5463C17.4592 39.073 19.1049 37.8388 19.9706 36.1608C20.781 34.7141 20.7866 32.9904 20.5293 31.3985C20.1006 29.3092 18.3775 27.8705 16.9807 26.362C14.8814 24.1005 14.6684 20.6854 15.595 17.8915C16.4331 15.4768 19.0026 14.2344 20.0425 11.9461C20.7202 10.6769 20.7506 9.20327 20.6068 7.81304C20.1864 5.40098 18.3139 3.23631 15.8716 2.56674C13.9742 2.03969 11.8224 2.30052 10.1739 3.37614C8.70522 4.34688 7.5878 5.86618 7.28356 7.58178C6.76081 9.82981 7.53525 12.2822 9.20307 13.9118C10.7658 15.4741 12.4806 17.2273 12.6383 19.5238Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M22.7048 19.8387C22.6822 22.3279 24.4507 24.6234 26.7493 25.4682C28.0531 25.961 29.4725 25.9183 30.7989 25.5487C32.0575 24.9955 33.301 24.2237 34.0069 23.0092C34.8384 21.5811 35.2982 19.8286 34.7832 18.2094C34.3611 16.2507 32.8739 14.6541 31.0275 13.9426C28.6736 12.9595 25.8073 13.7942 24.1719 15.7001C23.2022 16.8366 22.6143 18.3326 22.7048 19.8387Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"text\">\n                <h3>Pro Tip<\/h3>\n                <p>Track the 7th character transition date in the patient chart. Note in the record when active treatment concludes so coders know exactly when to shift from S63.491A to S63.491D. A single dated note prevents months of incorrect 7th character selection on follow-up claims.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-where-s63-491a-fits-in-the-icd-10-cm-hierarchy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where S63.491A fits in the ICD-10-CM hierarchy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The hierarchy runs from chapter to block to category to subcategory to full code. Following it confirms specificity, and it shows when a less-specific parent code is acceptable. Category S63 also holds the dislocation and sprain subcategories, so a code like <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63638a\/\" rel=\"noopener\">S63.638A<\/a> sits alongside this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Level<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Code<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Description<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Chapter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S00-T88<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Block<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S60-S69<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Injuries to the wrist, hand and fingers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Category<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S63<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments at wrist and hand level<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Subcategory<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S63.4<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Traumatic rupture of ligament of finger at metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Sub-subcategory<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S63.49<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Traumatic rupture of other ligament of finger at metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Code (base)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S63.491<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Traumatic rupture of other ligament of left index finger at metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Full code (billable)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">S63.491A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">+ Initial encounter (7th character A)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">S63.491 without a 7th character is not a billable code. Payers reject claims that submit the base code without the encounter qualifier. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nchs\/icd\/icd-10-cm\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CDC ICD-10-CM code set<\/a> lists the required 7th characters for every subcategory in S63.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-related-and-sibling-codes-for-left-index-finger-ligament-rupture\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related and sibling codes for left index finger ligament rupture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">S63.491A sits within a set of sibling codes that differ only in laterality, digit, or ligament type. Selecting the most specific applicable code is required under the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines. A dislocation at the same joints is coded from S63.2 instead, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63295d\/\" rel=\"noopener\">S63.295D<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Code<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Description<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Key difference from S63.491A<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S63.490A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Traumatic rupture of other ligament of right index finger at MCP and IP joint, initial encounter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Same injury on the right index finger<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S63.491A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Traumatic rupture of other ligament of left index finger at MCP and IP joint, initial encounter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">This code (left index finger, initial encounter)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S63.492A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Traumatic rupture of other ligament of right middle finger at MCP and IP joint, initial encounter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Middle finger, right side<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S63.493A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Traumatic rupture of other ligament of left middle finger at MCP and IP joint, initial encounter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Middle finger, left side<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S63.494A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Traumatic rupture of other ligament of right ring finger at MCP and IP joint, initial encounter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Ring finger, right side<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S63.495A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Traumatic rupture of other ligament of left ring finger at MCP and IP joint, initial encounter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Ring finger, left side<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S63.496A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Traumatic rupture of other ligament of right little finger at MCP and IP joint, initial encounter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Little finger, right side<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S63.497A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Traumatic rupture of other ligament of left little finger at MCP and IP joint, initial encounter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Little finger, left side<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S63.498A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Traumatic rupture of other ligament of other finger at MCP and IP joint, initial encounter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">A documented digit that has no code of its own<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S63.499A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Traumatic rupture of other ligament of unspecified finger at MCP and IP joint, initial encounter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Digit or side missing from the note<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S63.401A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Traumatic rupture of unspecified ligament of left index finger at MCP and IP joint, initial encounter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Correct code when no ligament is named<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">S63.411A<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Traumatic rupture of collateral ligament of left index finger at MCP and IP joint, initial encounter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Named collateral ligament rather than \u00ab\u00a0other\u00a0\u00bb<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The split between collateral ligament codes (S63.41x) and \u00ab\u00a0other ligament\u00a0\u00bb codes (S63.49x) causes most of the misassignment in this family. If the note names the radial or ulnar collateral ligament of the left index finger, S63.411A applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If it says only \u00ab\u00a0ligament rupture\u00a0\u00bb with nothing named, the unspecified-ligament code S63.401A is the accurate pick. Reserve S63.491A for a ligament that is documented and is not the collateral, palmar, or volar plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-associated-cpt-codes-for-finger-ligament-repair\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Associated CPT codes for finger ligament repair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ICD-10 code S63.491A is a diagnosis code only. It must be paired with a CPT procedure code that describes what was done during the encounter. Which one applies depends on whether treatment is surgical or non-surgical. Neighboring hand procedures follow the same pairing logic, including arthrotomy of a finger joint under <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-26080\/\" rel=\"noopener\">26080<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">CPT code<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Description<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">When applicable with S63.491A<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">26540<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Repair of collateral ligament, metacarpophalangeal or interphalangeal joint<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Surgical repair during the initial encounter. CPT 26540 references the collateral ligament, so confirm the operative note first<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">26542<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Repair of collateral ligament with local tissue advancement, MCP or IP joint<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Surgical repair with tissue advancement. The same operative note caveat applies<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">99202-99215<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Office or outpatient E\/M services (new or established)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Non-surgical management visits, including splinting, buddy taping, and examination<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">29130<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Application of finger splint, static<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">When a static finger splint is applied in the office for acute ligament rupture<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">97110<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Therapeutic exercises<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Physical or occupational therapy during the rehabilitation phase (typically billed with S63.491D)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CPT codes for ligament repair are maintained by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/practice-management\/cpt\/cpt-code-set-overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">American Medical Association (AMA)<\/a>. Applicability depends on the operative or clinical documentation. Coders should not assign a surgical CPT code unless the procedure is confirmed in the physician&rsquo;s note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The device and the service are billed separately. A custom-fabricated hand and finger orthosis takes a HCPCS code such as <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/hcpcs-code-l3913\/\" rel=\"noopener\">L3913<\/a>, not the CPT code for applying a stock splint. Either way, the diagnosis supports medical necessity and the procedure code describes the service rendered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-documentation-a-clean-claim-needs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Documentation a clean claim needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A clean S63.491A claim depends on the physician&rsquo;s note containing every element the code requires. Missing any one of them triggers payer queries or automatic downcoding. Practices using <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/features\/patient-intake-software\/\" rel=\"noopener\">digital intake and documentation forms<\/a> can structure injury fields to capture each required element at the point of care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pabau.com\/cdn\/attachments\/pulse\/content-engine\/diagnostic_codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/customizable-consent-and-intake-forms.webp\" alt=\"Customizable consent and intake forms\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Custom forms in Pabau can require the mechanism of injury and the joint involved before the note is signed off.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px;width:800px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Laterality:<\/strong> The note must state \u00ab\u00a0left\u00a0\u00bb, or otherwise place the injury on the left hand. \u00ab\u00a0Index finger ligament rupture\u00a0\u00bb with no side named forces the coder down to S63.499A, the unspecified-finger code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Digit:<\/strong> \u00ab\u00a0Index finger\u00a0\u00bb or \u00ab\u00a0second digit\u00a0\u00bb must appear. \u00ab\u00a0Finger ligament rupture\u00a0\u00bb without digit identification is insufficient for S63.491A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mechanism of injury:<\/strong> The note must indicate an external traumatic cause, such as a fall, an impact, forced hyperextension, or a sports injury. This separates the rupture from a degenerative or chronic process coded elsewhere.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ligament involved:<\/strong> If the physician names a collateral ligament, a code under S63.41 applies instead. If no ligament is named at all, the correct code is S63.401A. S63.491A needs a documented ligament that is not the collateral, palmar, or volar plate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Encounter type:<\/strong> The note should support the 7th character selected. For A, document active treatment such as splinting, surgery, or wound care. For D, document routine healing follow-up. For S, document the late effect and reference the original injury.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Joint(s) affected:<\/strong> \u00ab\u00a0At the metacarpophalangeal and\/or interphalangeal joint\u00a0\u00bb should appear. This is often captured implicitly through anatomical location documentation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cms.gov\/medicare\/coding-billing\/icd-10-codes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CMS ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting<\/a> govern documentation requirements for injury codes. Practices billing orthopedic, hand surgery, or sports medicine services should review these guidelines every year. CMS updates them each October with the new fiscal year code set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pabau.com\/cdn\/attachments\/pulse\/content-engine\/diagnostic_codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/automate-claims-through-healthcode.webp\" alt=\"Automate claims and billing with Pabau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Pabau submits injury claims with the diagnosis and CPT codes already attached, so fewer come back to your billing team for rework.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px;width:800px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-four-coding-errors-that-trigger-denials\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Four coding errors that trigger denials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Four errors account for most denials and audits on S63.491A claims. Each one is preventable at the documentation stage, before the claim is ever built.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-confusing-sprain-with-ligament-rupture\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Confusing sprain with ligament rupture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Category S63 covers both sprains and ligament ruptures at wrist and hand level. A sprain involves stretching or partial microtearing of a ligament without complete structural failure. A traumatic rupture is a complete or near-complete tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ICD-10-CM codes the two differently, and S63.491A is specifically for rupture. If the physician documents a sprain, the code belongs in the S63.6 sprain subcategory instead. For a left index finger sprain that code is S63.611A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sprain codes take the same 7th characters, so a left ring finger sprain that leaves a lasting problem is coded <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63615s\/\" rel=\"noopener\">S63.615S<\/a>. Billing S63.491A for a documented sprain is upcoding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-incorrect-7th-character-selection\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Incorrect 7th character selection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Continuing to bill S63.491A after active treatment has concluded is the most common error in this code family. Physical therapy for rehabilitation after a healed injury is billed with S63.491D. Payers track encounter-type patterns across claims, so a practice billing A for 12 consecutive months on one injury will draw scrutiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/industry\/physical-therapy-emr\/\" rel=\"noopener\">physical therapy practice<\/a> needs clear handoff documentation from the treating physician noting when active treatment ended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-missing-the-external-cause-code\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Missing the external cause code<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ICD-10-CM guidelines recommend an additional external cause code from the V00-Y99 chapter to describe how the injury occurred, and some payers require it. A finger ligament rupture in a basketball game, for example, takes an external cause code for contact sports activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Omitting it does not always trigger denial, but it can leave medical necessity thinly documented on audit. <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/features\/compliance-management-software\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Compliance management tools<\/a> that flag incomplete injury claims before they leave the practice reduce that exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pabau.com\/cdn\/attachments\/pulse\/content-engine\/uploads\/hipaa-compliance.png\" alt=\"HIPAA compliance in Pabau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Pabau logs who opened each injury record, so the audit trail is ready if a payer questions the claim months later.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px;width:800px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-using-the-unspecified-code-when-laterality-is-documented\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Using the unspecified code when laterality is documented<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Billing S63.499A when the physician documented \u00ab\u00a0left index finger\u00a0\u00bb is a specificity error. CMS guidelines require coders to select the most specific code the documentation supports. If both side and digit are in the record, S63.491A must be used. <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/industry\/sports-medicine-software\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Sports medicine software<\/a> that prompts coders to verify laterality catches this before the claim reaches the payer.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"pro_tip\">\n            <div class=\"img\">\n                <svg width=\"42\" height=\"42\" viewBox=\"0 0 42 42\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M12.6383 19.5238C12.6632 21.2071 12.8734 22.9926 12.0685 24.5523C11.0341 26.8917 8.45076 28.169 7.56292 30.5918C6.63082 33.1061 7.19505 36.185 9.31371 37.9786C10.929 39.5678 13.4183 39.9873 15.6061 39.5463C17.4592 39.073 19.1049 37.8388 19.9706 36.1608C20.781 34.7141 20.7866 32.9904 20.5293 31.3985C20.1006 29.3092 18.3775 27.8705 16.9807 26.362C14.8814 24.1005 14.6684 20.6854 15.595 17.8915C16.4331 15.4768 19.0026 14.2344 20.0425 11.9461C20.7202 10.6769 20.7506 9.20327 20.6068 7.81304C20.1864 5.40098 18.3139 3.23631 15.8716 2.56674C13.9742 2.03969 11.8224 2.30052 10.1739 3.37614C8.70522 4.34688 7.5878 5.86618 7.28356 7.58178C6.76081 9.82981 7.53525 12.2822 9.20307 13.9118C10.7658 15.4741 12.4806 17.2273 12.6383 19.5238Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M22.7048 19.8387C22.6822 22.3279 24.4507 24.6234 26.7493 25.4682C28.0531 25.961 29.4725 25.9183 30.7989 25.5487C32.0575 24.9955 33.301 24.2237 34.0069 23.0092C34.8384 21.5811 35.2982 19.8286 34.7832 18.2094C34.3611 16.2507 32.8739 14.6541 31.0275 13.9426C28.6736 12.9595 25.8073 13.7942 24.1719 15.7001C23.2022 16.8366 22.6143 18.3326 22.7048 19.8387Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"text\">\n                <h3>Pro Tip<\/h3>\n                <p>Run a denial report filtered to S63.499A, the unspecified-finger code. If it shows up repeatedly, the notes probably do record the side and coders are not seeing it. Audit five of those records to find where the specificity is being lost.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-pabau-supports-accurate-s63-491a-coding\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Pabau supports accurate S63.491A coding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The laterality problem usually starts long before the coder opens the chart. Side and digit sit in free text, or never make it into the note at all. The coder is then left to query the physician or drop down to S63.499A, and every query adds days to the claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practice management software like Pabau lets you build the injury note as structured fields instead. Side, digit, joint, mechanism, and encounter type each get their own required entry, so the record carries what the code needs. Pabau&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/features\/claims-management-software\/\" rel=\"noopener\">claims management software<\/a> then pairs that diagnosis with the CPT codes billed at the visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Encounter dates live in the same record, so you can see when active treatment ended and the 7th character needs to change. You get fewer physician queries, fewer unspecified codes in your denial reports, and cleaner first-pass claims.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"book_a_demo\">\n            <div class=\"left-side\">\n                <div class=\"logo\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\"\n                        src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Logo.svg\"\n                        alt=\"Logo\"\n                        loading=\"lazy\"\n                    \/>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <h3 class=\"heading\">\n                    Streamline injury billing from documentation to claim                <\/h3>\n\n                <p class=\"description\">\n                    Pabau helps orthopedic and hand surgery practices pair diagnosis codes with the right CPT codes. Track encounter types for accurate 7th character selection and submit cleaner claims.                <\/p>\n\n                <div class=\"button-group\">\n                    <a href=\"\/book-demo\/\" class=\"btn btn-scale-effect btn-cta-color btn-md\">\n                        <span class=\"btn-text\">Book a demo<\/span>\n                        <div class=\"btn-icon btn-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                            <svg\n                                width=\"14\"\n                                height=\"12\"\n                                viewBox=\"0 0 14 12\"\n                                fill=\"none\"\n                                xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\n                            >\n                                <path\n                                    d=\"M0.75 4.77295C0.335786 4.77295 0 5.10874 0 5.52295C0 5.93716 0.335786 6.27295 0.75 6.27295V5.52295V4.77295ZM13.2803 6.05328C13.5732 5.76039 13.5732 5.28551 13.2803 4.99262L8.50736 0.219648C8.21447 -0.073245 7.73959 -0.073245 7.4467 0.219648C7.15381 0.512542 7.15381 0.987415 7.4467 1.28031L11.6893 5.52295L7.4467 9.76559C7.15381 10.0585 7.15381 10.5334 7.4467 10.8263C7.73959 11.1191 8.21447 11.1191 8.50736 10.8263L13.2803 6.05328ZM0.75 5.52295V6.27295L12.75 6.27295V5.52295V4.77295L0.75 4.77295V5.52295Z\"\n                                    fill=\"currentColor\"\n                                ><\/path>\n                            <\/svg>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"right-side\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\"\n                    src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Home-Page-Concept-4.webp\"\n                    alt=\"Pabau claims management dashboard for injury billing\"\n                    loading=\"lazy\"\n                \/>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">S63.491A is the left index finger code, and its right-side counterpart is S63.490A. Match the 7th character to the phase of care. Confirm side and digit in the physician&rsquo;s note. Keep a true ligament rupture separate from a sprain, which belongs in S63.6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Get those three right and denials in this code family mostly stop, without a single extra query to the physician. The trade-off sits upstream. Side, digit, ligament, and phase of care all have to be in the note before the coder opens it. To see how Pabau handles injury billing end to end, <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/book-demo\/\">book a demo<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"expert_picks\">\n            <div class=\"header\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Expert-Picks.svg\" alt=\"Continue your research\" height=\"42\" width=\"42\">\n                                <h3>Continue your research<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"content\">\n                                                            <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Coding the same injury on the right hand?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63400a\/\">S63.400A<\/a> covers an unspecified ligament rupture of the right index finger.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Working from a sprain diagnosis instead?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63615s\/\">S63.615S<\/a> shows how the finger sprain subcategory handles a sequela.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Does the note describe a dislocated joint?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63295d\/\">S63.295D<\/a> covers dislocation at the distal interphalangeal joint on follow-up.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Billing a custom finger splint?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/hcpcs-code-l3913\/\">L3913<\/a> sets out how a custom-fabricated hand and finger orthosis is billed.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Documenting the exam behind the code?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/hand-nerve-tests\/\">Hand nerve tests<\/a> walks through median, ulnar, and radial testing of the hand.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786603606914\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is ICD-10 code S63.491A?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">S63.491A is the billable ICD-10-CM code for traumatic rupture of other ligament of the left index finger. It applies at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint, initial encounter. It is valid for HIPAA-covered transactions and is part of the 2026 ICD-10-CM edition, effective October 1, 2025.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786603606920\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is S63.491A the left or the right index finger?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">S63.491A is the left index finger. The right index finger equivalent at the same joints is S63.490A. Across the S63.49x and S63.41x codes an even final digit indicates the right side and an odd final digit the left.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786603606915\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is S63.491A a billable ICD-10-CM code?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. S63.491A is a specific, billable ICD-10-CM code valid for reimbursement purposes under HIPAA-covered transactions. The base code S63.491 without a 7th character is not billable. That 7th character, A, D, or S, is required for claim submission.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786603606916\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the difference between S63.491A, S63.491D, and S63.491S?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">All three share the same base descriptor and differ only in encounter type. Use S63.491A during active treatment. Use S63.491D for routine follow-up once active treatment has ended. Use S63.491S for late effects that persist after the injury has healed. The 7th character must match the patient&rsquo;s current phase of care.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786603606917\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What CPT codes are associated with traumatic rupture of the left index finger ligament?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Common pairings include 26540 and 26542 for surgical ligament repair, plus 99202-99215 for E\/M visits during non-surgical management. Add 29130 for a static finger splint and 97110 for therapeutic exercises in rehabilitation. CPT code selection depends on the documented procedure and should be confirmed in the physician&rsquo;s operative or clinical note.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786603606918\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I document a traumatic rupture of the left index finger ligament for billing?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The note has to record five things. State laterality as left and the digit as the index finger. Give the mechanism of injury, such as a fall or a sports impact. Identify the ligament involved, or state that it is not specified. Then support the 7th character with the documented phase of care. Missing any of these elements requires the coder to use a less specific code or query the physician before submission.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786603606919\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the parent code category for S63.491A?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">S63.491A falls under S63.4, traumatic rupture of ligament of finger at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint. That subcategory sits in category S63, dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments at wrist and hand level. S63 belongs to the S60-S69 block for injuries to the wrist, hand and fingers, in Chapter 19. The CDC\/NCHS ICD-10-CM web tool confirms the full hierarchy.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>S63.491A is the ICD-10-CM code for a traumatic rupture of another ligament of the left index finger, initial encounter. It is billable only with that 7th character attached. This reference covers the official descriptor, the 7th character options, and the code hierarchy. It also covers the sibling codes coders confuse it with, the CPT pairings, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":177258,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":"77","_yoast_wpseo_content_score":"30","_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"[\"\",\"\",\"\",\"\",\"\",\"\"]","_yoast_wpseo_focuskw_text_input":"","_seo_original_html":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1549,1550],"tags":[1680,1363,2653],"class_list":["post-177259","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diagnostic-codes","category-icd-10-cm","tag-diagnostic-codes","tag-icd-10","tag-laterality-coding"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.2 (Yoast SEO v28.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>ICD-10 code S63.491A: Rupture of left index finger ligament<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"S63.491A covers traumatic rupture of another ligament of the left index finger, initial encounter. The right side takes S63.490A.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_FR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"ICD-10 code S63.491A: Rupture of left index finger ligament\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"S63.491A covers traumatic rupture of another ligament of the left index finger, initial encounter. The right side takes S63.490A.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Pabau\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Pabau\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-08-13T13:30:21+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-13T14:33:35+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/icd-10-code-s63491a.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Maja Popovska\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@pabaucrm\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@pabaucrm\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"\u00c9crit par\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Maja Popovska\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Dur\u00e9e de lecture estim\u00e9e\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"14 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Maja Popovska\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b00aec1dd379f0ddcf6137d78e2a21db\"},\"headline\":\"ICD-10 code S63.491A: Traumatic rupture of left index finger ligament\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-13T13:30:21+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-13T14:33:35+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":3393,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a.webp\",\"keywords\":[\"Diagnostic codes\",\"ICD-10\",\"Laterality coding\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Diagnostic Codes\",\"ICD-10-CM\"],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/\",\"name\":\"ICD-10 code S63.491A: Rupture of left index finger ligament\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-13T13:30:21+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-13T14:33:35+00:00\",\"description\":\"S63.491A covers traumatic rupture of another ligament of the left index finger, initial encounter. The right side takes S63.490A.\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606914\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606920\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606915\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606916\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606917\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606918\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606919\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a.webp\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":630},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/\",\"name\":\"Pabau\",\"description\":\"Clinic Software for your Business | Go Paperless Today\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Pabau\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/05\\\/Logo-4-e1654525062364.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/05\\\/Logo-4-e1654525062364.png\",\"width\":736,\"height\":195,\"caption\":\"Pabau\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/Pabau\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/pabaucrm\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/pabau-ltd\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/pabausoftware\\\/\"],\"description\":\"Pabau is an all-in-one healthcare practice management software platform designed for clinics, medspas, therapists, and medical professionals. It combines scheduling, electronic health records, clinical forms, payments, marketing automation, reporting, and patient engagement tools into one secure cloud system to help practices streamline operations and grow their business.\",\"foundingDate\":\"2011-10-20\",\"numberOfEmployees\":{\"@type\":\"QuantitativeValue\",\"minValue\":\"201\",\"maxValue\":\"500\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b00aec1dd379f0ddcf6137d78e2a21db\",\"name\":\"Maja Popovska\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/cropped-Maja-Popovska_WP-1-96x96.jpeg\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/cropped-Maja-Popovska_WP-1-96x96.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/cropped-Maja-Popovska_WP-1-96x96.jpeg\",\"caption\":\"Maja Popovska\"},\"description\":\"Maja is a Senior Content Writer at Pabau, where she covers everything from practice management and compliance to medical aesthetics and patient experience. Off the clock: binging true crime docuseries, baking and dreaming about travel.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/maja-popovska\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606914\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606914\",\"name\":\"What is ICD-10 code S63.491A?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"S63.491A is the billable ICD-10-CM code for traumatic rupture of other ligament of the left index finger. It applies at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint, initial encounter. It is valid for HIPAA-covered transactions and is part of the 2026 ICD-10-CM edition, effective October 1, 2025.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606920\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606920\",\"name\":\"Is S63.491A the left or the right index finger?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"S63.491A is the left index finger. The right index finger equivalent at the same joints is S63.490A. Across the S63.49x and S63.41x codes an even final digit indicates the right side and an odd final digit the left.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606915\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606915\",\"name\":\"Is S63.491A a billable ICD-10-CM code?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. S63.491A is a specific, billable ICD-10-CM code valid for reimbursement purposes under HIPAA-covered transactions. The base code S63.491 without a 7th character is not billable. That 7th character, A, D, or S, is required for claim submission.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606916\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606916\",\"name\":\"What is the difference between S63.491A, S63.491D, and S63.491S?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"All three share the same base descriptor and differ only in encounter type. Use S63.491A during active treatment. Use S63.491D for routine follow-up once active treatment has ended. Use S63.491S for late effects that persist after the injury has healed. The 7th character must match the patient's current phase of care.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606917\",\"position\":5,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606917\",\"name\":\"What CPT codes are associated with traumatic rupture of the left index finger ligament?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Common pairings include 26540 and 26542 for surgical ligament repair, plus 99202-99215 for E\\\/M visits during non-surgical management. Add 29130 for a static finger splint and 97110 for therapeutic exercises in rehabilitation. CPT code selection depends on the documented procedure and should be confirmed in the physician's operative or clinical note.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606918\",\"position\":6,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606918\",\"name\":\"How do I document a traumatic rupture of the left index finger ligament for billing?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The note has to record five things. State laterality as left and the digit as the index finger. Give the mechanism of injury, such as a fall or a sports impact. Identify the ligament involved, or state that it is not specified. Then support the 7th character with the documented phase of care. Missing any of these elements requires the coder to use a less specific code or query the physician before submission.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606919\",\"position\":7,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-s63491a\\\/#faq-question-1786603606919\",\"name\":\"What is the parent code category for S63.491A?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"S63.491A falls under S63.4, traumatic rupture of ligament of finger at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint. That subcategory sits in category S63, dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments at wrist and hand level. S63 belongs to the S60-S69 block for injuries to the wrist, hand and fingers, in Chapter 19. The CDC\\\/NCHS ICD-10-CM web tool confirms the full hierarchy.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"ICD-10 code S63.491A: Rupture of left index finger ligament","description":"S63.491A covers traumatic rupture of another ligament of the left index finger, initial encounter. The right side takes S63.490A.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/","og_locale":"fr_FR","og_type":"article","og_title":"ICD-10 code S63.491A: Rupture of left index finger ligament","og_description":"S63.491A covers traumatic rupture of another ligament of the left index finger, initial encounter. The right side takes S63.490A.","og_url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/","og_site_name":"Pabau","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Pabau\/","article_published_time":"2026-08-13T13:30:21+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-08-13T14:33:35+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":630,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/icd-10-code-s63491a.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"Maja Popovska","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@pabaucrm","twitter_site":"@pabaucrm","twitter_misc":{"\u00c9crit par":"Maja Popovska","Dur\u00e9e de lecture estim\u00e9e":"14 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/"},"author":{"name":"Maja Popovska","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#\/schema\/person\/b00aec1dd379f0ddcf6137d78e2a21db"},"headline":"ICD-10 code S63.491A: Traumatic rupture of left index finger ligament","datePublished":"2026-08-13T13:30:21+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-13T14:33:35+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/"},"wordCount":3393,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/icd-10-code-s63491a.webp","keywords":["Diagnostic codes","ICD-10","Laterality coding"],"articleSection":["Diagnostic Codes","ICD-10-CM"],"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/","name":"ICD-10 code S63.491A: Rupture of left index finger ligament","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/icd-10-code-s63491a.webp","datePublished":"2026-08-13T13:30:21+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-13T14:33:35+00:00","description":"S63.491A covers traumatic rupture of another ligament of the left index finger, initial encounter. The right side takes S63.490A.","mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606914"},{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606920"},{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606915"},{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606916"},{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606917"},{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606918"},{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606919"}],"inLanguage":"fr-FR","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-FR","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/icd-10-code-s63491a.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/icd-10-code-s63491a.webp","width":1200,"height":630},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#website","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/","name":"Pabau","description":"Clinic Software for your Business | Go Paperless Today","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#organization","name":"Pabau","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-FR","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Logo-4-e1654525062364.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Logo-4-e1654525062364.png","width":736,"height":195,"caption":"Pabau"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Pabau\/","https:\/\/x.com\/pabaucrm","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/pabau-ltd\/","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/pabausoftware\/"],"description":"Pabau is an all-in-one healthcare practice management software platform designed for clinics, medspas, therapists, and medical professionals. It combines scheduling, electronic health records, clinical forms, payments, marketing automation, reporting, and patient engagement tools into one secure cloud system to help practices streamline operations and grow their business.","foundingDate":"2011-10-20","numberOfEmployees":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","minValue":"201","maxValue":"500"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#\/schema\/person\/b00aec1dd379f0ddcf6137d78e2a21db","name":"Maja Popovska","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-FR","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cropped-Maja-Popovska_WP-1-96x96.jpeg","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cropped-Maja-Popovska_WP-1-96x96.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/cropped-Maja-Popovska_WP-1-96x96.jpeg","caption":"Maja Popovska"},"description":"Maja is a Senior Content Writer at Pabau, where she covers everything from practice management and compliance to medical aesthetics and patient experience. Off the clock: binging true crime docuseries, baking and dreaming about travel.","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/blog\/author\/maja-popovska\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606914","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606914","name":"What is ICD-10 code S63.491A?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"S63.491A is the billable ICD-10-CM code for traumatic rupture of other ligament of the left index finger. It applies at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint, initial encounter. It is valid for HIPAA-covered transactions and is part of the 2026 ICD-10-CM edition, effective October 1, 2025.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606920","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606920","name":"Is S63.491A the left or the right index finger?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"S63.491A is the left index finger. The right index finger equivalent at the same joints is S63.490A. Across the S63.49x and S63.41x codes an even final digit indicates the right side and an odd final digit the left.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606915","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606915","name":"Is S63.491A a billable ICD-10-CM code?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. S63.491A is a specific, billable ICD-10-CM code valid for reimbursement purposes under HIPAA-covered transactions. The base code S63.491 without a 7th character is not billable. That 7th character, A, D, or S, is required for claim submission.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606916","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606916","name":"What is the difference between S63.491A, S63.491D, and S63.491S?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"All three share the same base descriptor and differ only in encounter type. Use S63.491A during active treatment. Use S63.491D for routine follow-up once active treatment has ended. Use S63.491S for late effects that persist after the injury has healed. The 7th character must match the patient's current phase of care.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606917","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606917","name":"What CPT codes are associated with traumatic rupture of the left index finger ligament?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Common pairings include 26540 and 26542 for surgical ligament repair, plus 99202-99215 for E\/M visits during non-surgical management. Add 29130 for a static finger splint and 97110 for therapeutic exercises in rehabilitation. CPT code selection depends on the documented procedure and should be confirmed in the physician's operative or clinical note.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606918","position":6,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606918","name":"How do I document a traumatic rupture of the left index finger ligament for billing?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The note has to record five things. State laterality as left and the digit as the index finger. Give the mechanism of injury, such as a fall or a sports impact. Identify the ligament involved, or state that it is not specified. Then support the 7th character with the documented phase of care. Missing any of these elements requires the coder to use a less specific code or query the physician before submission.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606919","position":7,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-s63491a\/#faq-question-1786603606919","name":"What is the parent code category for S63.491A?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"S63.491A falls under S63.4, traumatic rupture of ligament of finger at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint. That subcategory sits in category S63, dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments at wrist and hand level. S63 belongs to the S60-S69 block for injuries to the wrist, hand and fingers, in Chapter 19. The CDC\/NCHS ICD-10-CM web tool confirms the full hierarchy.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"}]}},"yoast":{"focus_keyword":"ICD-10 code S63.491A","seo_title":"ICD-10 code S63.491A: Rupture of left index finger ligament","meta_description":"S63.491A covers traumatic rupture of another ligament of the left index finger, initial encounter. The right side takes S63.490A.","content_score":"30","is_cornerstone":"","related_keyphrases":[{"keyword":"traumatic rupture other ligament right index finger","score":65},{"keyword":"finger ligament injury icd-10 code","score":56},{"keyword":"icd-10 metacarpophalangeal interphalangeal joint","score":56},{"keyword":"S63.491D subsequent encounter","score":61},{"keyword":"S63.491S sequela","score":61}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/177259","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/82"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=177259"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/177259\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":180019,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/177259\/revisions\/180019"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/177258"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=177259"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=177259"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=177259"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}