S22.002B: Unstable burst fracture of unspecified thoracic vertebra, initial encounter for open fracture

S22.002B, unstable burst fracture of unspecified thoracic vertebra, initial encounter for open fracture, is listed as a covered diagnosis in 3 Medicare billing and coding articles that apply to 10 HCPCS Level II codes, including G0130 (Single energy x-ray absorptiometry (sexa) bone density…), G0008 (Administration of influenza virus vaccine), G0009 (Administration of pneumococcal vaccine). The articles come from 2 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 S22.002B 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
G0008Administration of influenza virus vaccineCarrier judgment—1
G0009Administration of pneumococcal vaccineCarrier judgment—1
G0010Administration of hepatitis b vaccineCarrier judgment—1
Q2038Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, when administered to individuals 3 years of age and older, for intramuscular use (fluzone)Special coverage instructions apply—1
Q2035Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, when administered to individuals 3 years of age and older, for intramuscular use (afluria)Special coverage instructions apply—1
Q2037Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, when administered to individuals 3 years of age and older, for intramuscular use (fluvirin)Special coverage instructions apply—1
Q2034Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, for intramuscular use (agriflu)Special coverage instructions apply—1
Q2036Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, when administered to individuals 3 years of age and older, for intramuscular use (flulaval)Special coverage instructions apply—1
Q2039Influenza virus vaccine, not otherwise specifiedSpecial coverage instructions apply—1

Medicare policy articles listing S22.002B

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 S22 diagnoses (Fracture of rib(s), sternum and thoracic spine)

Frequently asked questions

Does Medicare cover S22.002B (Unstable burst fracture of unspecified thoracic vertebra…)?

Medicare covers items and services, not diagnoses. 3 Medicare billing and coding articles list S22.002B as a covered diagnosis for 10 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 S22.002B?

The Level II codes from the policies most specific to this diagnosis are G0130 (Single energy x-ray absorptiometry (sexa) bone density…, 2 articles); G0008 (Administration of influenza virus vaccine, 1 article); G0009 (Administration of pneumococcal vaccine, 1 article); G0010 (Administration of hepatitis b vaccine, 1 article); Q2038 (Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, when administered to…, 1 article). Code choice depends on the item supplied; check each code's descriptor.

Which Medicare policy articles list S22.002B?

A59040 (Billing and Coding: Bone Mass Measurement); A57132 (Billing and Coding: Bone Mass Measurement); A54767 (Billing and Coding: Medicare Preventive Coverage for Certain Vaccines).

What is ICD-10-CM code S22.002B?

S22.002B is the ICD-10-CM code for unstable burst fracture of unspecified thoracic vertebra, initial encounter for open fracture, in category S22 (Fracture of rib(s), sternum and thoracic spine), 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