S15.211 Minor laceration of right external jugular vein

ICD-10-CM S15.211: Minor laceration of right external jugular vein

ICD-10-CM code S15.211 identifies a minor laceration of the right external jugular vein. The available sources provide the official diagnostic label and its encounter variations, alongside anatomical literature detailing jugular vein structures in the neck. The sources do not establish clinical symptoms, treatment protocols, or payer coverage rules for this specific diagnosis. 1 3

Plain-language overview

Code S15.211 represents a minor laceration of the right external jugular vein, providing a specific diagnostic label for this particular type of neck injury. 3

What this code represents

The official diagnosis label for S15.211 is minor laceration of right external jugular vein, and the code exists alongside distinct labels for left and unspecified external jugular vein lacerations. 3

Coding details

The coding structure includes separate encounter variations for the right external jugular vein laceration, specifically denoting initial encounter, subsequent encounter, and sequela. 3

Documentation considerations

The S3 source lists distinct diagnostic labels for right, left, and unspecified external jugular vein lacerations, indicating that documentation differentiates the affected side to align with the specific code. 3

Clinical context

Anatomical literature notes that near the thoracic level of the neck, the anterior jugular veins pass beneath the sternocleidomastoid muscle and join with the external jugular veins or the subclavian veins. 1

What the sources add

While S3 provides the specific diagnostic labels for external jugular vein lacerations, S1 contributes anatomical context regarding how the anterior jugular veins join with the external jugular veins in the lower neck region. 1 3

The S1 anatomical study discusses jugular vein injury risks during surgical procedures, whereas the S2 literature review addresses internal jugular vein thrombosis, demonstrating that the sources cover different jugular vein conditions. 1 2

Coverage and utilization context

The S3 source lists the diagnosis and its initial, subsequent, and sequela encounter variations, but it does not establish payer coverage criteria or utilization tracking rules for this code. 3

Sources

1. The Danger Zone in the Anterior Neck: Anatomical Landmarks to Avoid Injury to Anterior Jugular Vein During Face-Lift and Neck-Lift — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-26.
2. Bookshelf — ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-26.
3. Phecode 1007 · ExPRSweb — csg.sph.umich.edu; accessed 2026-07-26.