S12.121A: Other nondisplaced dens fracture, initial encounter for closed fracture

S12.121A, other nondisplaced dens fracture, initial encounter for closed fracture, is listed as a covered diagnosis in 4 Medicare billing and coding articles that apply to 9 HCPCS Level II codes, including G0130 (Single energy x-ray absorptiometry (sexa) bone density…), G0453 (Continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring, from…), G0283 (Electrical stimulation (unattended), to one or more areas…). The articles come from 3 Medicare contractors. A listed diagnosis supports medical necessity only; coverage still depends on the LCD's criteria and on documentation in the medical record.

HCPCS Level II codes with S12.121A as a covered diagnosis

CodeDescriptionMedicare coverageDMEPOS fee 2026 (state range)Articles listing it
G0130Single energy x-ray absorptiometry (sexa) bone density study, one or more sites; appendicular skeleton (peripheral) (e.g., radius, wrist, heel)Special coverage instructions apply—2
G0453Continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring, from outside the operating room (remote or nearby), per patient, (attention directed exclusively to one patient) each 15 minutes (list in addition to primary procedure)Carrier judgment—1
G0283Electrical stimulation (unattended), to one or more areas for indication(s) other than wound care, as part of a therapy plan of careCarrier judgment—1
G2010Remote evaluation of recorded video and/or images submitted by an established patient (e.g., store and forward), including interpretation with follow-up with the patient within 24 business hours, not originating from a related e/m service provided within the previous 7 days nor leading to an e/m service or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointmentCarrier judgment—1
G2250Remote assessment of recorded video and/or images submitted by an established patient (e.g., store and forward), including interpretation with follow-up with the patient within 24 business hours, not originating from a related service provided within the previous 7 days nor leading to a service or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointmentCarrier judgment—1
G0281Electrical stimulation, (unattended), to one or more areas, for chronic stage iii and stage iv pressure ulcers, arterial ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and venous stasis ulcers not demonstrating measurable signs of healing after 30 days of conventional care, as part of a therapy plan of careCarrier judgment—1
G2251Brief communication technology-based service, e.g. virtual check-in, by a qualified health care professional who cannot report evaluation and management services, provided to an established patient, not originating from a related service provided within the previous 7 days nor leading to a service or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointment; 5-10 minutes of clinical discussionCarrier judgment—1
G0151Services performed by a qualified physical therapist in the home health or hospice setting, each 15 minutesCarrier judgment—1
G0329Electromagnetic therapy, to one or more areas for chronic stage iii and stage iv pressure ulcers, arterial ulcers, diabetic ulcers and venous stasis ulcers not demonstrating measurable signs of healing after 30 days of conventional care as part of a therapy plan of careCarrier judgment—1

Medicare policy articles listing S12.121A

A diagnosis listed as covered in a billing and coding article supports medical necessity for the article's codes; it does not guarantee payment. Coverage depends on the LCD's criteria, the contractor's jurisdiction and documentation in the medical record.

Other S12 diagnoses (Fracture of cervical vertebra and other parts of neck)

Frequently asked questions

Does Medicare cover S12.121A (Other nondisplaced dens fracture, initial encounter for…)?

Medicare covers items and services, not diagnoses. 4 Medicare billing and coding articles list S12.121A as a covered diagnosis for 9 HCPCS Level II codes: the diagnosis can support medical necessity for those codes, but payment still depends on the LCD's coverage criteria and the medical record.

Which HCPCS codes can be billed with ICD-10 S12.121A?

The Level II codes from the policies most specific to this diagnosis are G0130 (Single energy x-ray absorptiometry (sexa) bone density…, 2 articles); G0453 (Continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring, from…, 1 article); G0283 (Electrical stimulation (unattended), to one or more areas…, 1 article); G2010 (Remote evaluation of recorded video and/or images…, 1 article); G2250 (Remote assessment of recorded video and/or images…, 1 article). Code choice depends on the item supplied; check each code's descriptor.

Which Medicare policy articles list S12.121A?

A59040 (Billing and Coding: Bone Mass Measurement); A57132 (Billing and Coding: Bone Mass Measurement); A57604 (Billing and Coding: Intraoperative Neurophysiological Testing), and 1 more article.

What is ICD-10-CM code S12.121A?

S12.121A is the ICD-10-CM code for other nondisplaced dens fracture, initial encounter for closed fracture, in category S12 (Fracture of cervical vertebra and other parts of neck), chapter 19: Injury, poisoning and other consequences of external causes.

Next steps

Sources: CMS Medicare Coverage Database billing and coding articles (covered ICD-10 code lists and HCPCS links); ICD-10-CM FY2026; CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2026; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule 2026 (non-rural state fees). Not billing or legal advice.

Chapter 19: Injury, poisoning and other consequences of external causes · All diagnoses · HCPCS lookup