S49.012D Salter-Harris Type I physeal fracture of upper end of humerus, left arm, subsequent encounter for fracture with routine healing

ICD-10-CM S49.012D: Salter-Harris Type I physeal fracture of upper end of humerus, left arm, subsequent encounter for routine healing

ICD-10-CM code S49.012D identifies a Salter-Harris Type I physeal fracture of the upper end of the left humerus during a subsequent encounter for fracture with routine healing. The Salter-Harris classification system is used to categorize physeal injuries, and this code specifies left arm laterality along with a subsequent healing encounter. 3 4 2

Plain-language overview

ICD-10-CM code S49.012D represents a Salter-Harris Type I physeal fracture located at the upper end of the left humerus, documented during a subsequent encounter for fracture with routine healing. 3 4

What this code represents

The designation S49.012D specifies both the left arm laterality and the subsequent encounter for fracture with routine healing for this particular upper humerus physeal fracture. 3 4

The Salter-Harris classification system is used to categorize physeal injuries into different types, including Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV, and Type V fractures. 2

Documentation considerations

Clinical documentation for physeal fractures includes details such as physeal involvement and radiologic fracture classification according to the Salter-Harris system. 2

Accurate documentation for this concept must capture the left arm laterality and the routine healing status to align with the specific S49.012D code descriptor. 3 4

What the sources add

The EVS Explore sources provide the official ICD-10-CM display label and code hierarchy for S49.012D, while the CMS sources list related physeal fracture codes of the upper humerus, such as S49.011S for the right arm sequela. 3 4 5 6

The EVS Explore sources establish the exact diagnostic label for S49.012D, whereas the CMS billing and coding articles identify neighboring codes like S49.011S to illustrate related upper humerus physeal fracture concepts. 3 5 6

Clinical context

Smooth wires used for fixation in areas requiring an open physis crossing are thought to be less likely to cause a physeal arrest affecting future growth, serving as temporary fixation during initial fracture healing. 1

Coverage and utilization context

The CMS sources appear within billing and coding articles for outpatient and home health occupational therapy, listing related upper humerus physeal fracture codes without implying that any specific code guarantees coverage. 5 6

Sources

1. Indications for and Risks Associated With Implant Removal After Pediatric Trauma — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
2. Are Routine Post–Cast Removal Radiographs and a Second Follow-up Appointment Necessary in the Management of Nondisplaced or Minimally Displaced Distal Radius Fractures? — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
3. EVS Explore — evsexplore.semantics.cancer.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
4. EVS Explore — evsexplore.semantics.cancer.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
5. Article - Billing and Coding: Home Health Occupational Therapy (A53057) — cms.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
6. Article - Billing and Coding: Outpatient Occupational Therapy (A53064) — cms.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.