S50.311A: Abrasion of right elbow, initial encounter

S50.311A, abrasion of right elbow, initial encounter, is listed as a covered diagnosis in 3 Medicare billing and coding articles that apply to 16 HCPCS Level II codes, including J1670 (Injection, tetanus immune globulin, human, up to 250 units), 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 S50.311A as a covered diagnosis

Code	Description	Medicare coverage	DMEPOS fee 2026 (state range)	Articles listing it
J1670	Injection, tetanus immune globulin, human, up to 250 units	Special coverage instructions apply	—	1
G0008	Administration of influenza virus vaccine	Carrier judgment	—	1
G0009	Administration of pneumococcal vaccine	Carrier judgment	—	1
G0010	Administration of hepatitis b vaccine	Carrier judgment	—	1
Q2038	Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, when administered to individuals 3 years of age and older, for intramuscular use (fluzone)	Special coverage instructions apply	—	1
Q2035	Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, when administered to individuals 3 years of age and older, for intramuscular use (afluria)	Special coverage instructions apply	—	1
Q2037	Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, when administered to individuals 3 years of age and older, for intramuscular use (fluvirin)	Special coverage instructions apply	—	1
Q2034	Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, for intramuscular use (agriflu)	Special coverage instructions apply	—	1
Q2036	Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, when administered to individuals 3 years of age and older, for intramuscular use (flulaval)	Special coverage instructions apply	—	1
Q2039	Influenza virus vaccine, not otherwise specified	Special coverage instructions apply	—	1
G0151	Services performed by a qualified physical therapist in the home health or hospice setting, each 15 minutes	Carrier judgment	—	1
G0157	Services performed by a qualified physical therapist assistant in the home health or hospice setting, each 15 minutes	Carrier judgment	—	1
G0159	Services performed by a qualified physical therapist, in the home health setting, in the establishment or delivery of a safe and effective physical therapy maintenance program, each 15 minutes	Carrier judgment	—	1
G0329	Electromagnetic 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 care	Carrier judgment	—	1
G2168	Services performed by a physical therapist assistant in the home health setting in the delivery of a safe and effective physical therapy maintenance program, each 15 minutes	Carrier judgment	—	1
L1972	Ankle foot orthosis, plastic or other material with ankle joint, with or without dorsiflexion assist, prefabricated, off-the shelf	Carrier judgment	—	1

Medicare policy articles listing S50.311A

A52438: Billing and Coding: Tetanus Immunization (CGS Administrators, LLC (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 1 Level II codes)
A54767: Billing and Coding: Medicare Preventive Coverage for Certain Vaccines (Palmetto GBA (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 9 Level II codes)
A53058: Billing and Coding: Home Health Physical Therapy (Palmetto GBA (HHH MAC); 6 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L34564

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 S50 diagnoses (Superficial injury of elbow and forearm)

S50.312A — Abrasion of left elbow, initial encounter
S50.341A — External constriction of right elbow, initial encounter
S50.342A — External constriction of left elbow, initial encounter
S50.841A — External constriction of right forearm, initial encounter
S50.842A — External constriction of left forearm, initial encounter

Frequently asked questions

Does Medicare cover S50.311A (Abrasion of right elbow, initial encounter)?

Medicare covers items and services, not diagnoses. 3 Medicare billing and coding articles list S50.311A as a covered diagnosis for 16 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 S50.311A?

The Level II codes from the policies most specific to this diagnosis are J1670 (Injection, tetanus immune globulin, human, up to 250 units, 1 article); 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 S50.311A?

A52438 (Billing and Coding: Tetanus Immunization); A54767 (Billing and Coding: Medicare Preventive Coverage for Certain Vaccines); A53058 (Billing and Coding: Home Health Physical Therapy).

What is ICD-10-CM code S50.311A?

S50.311A is the ICD-10-CM code for abrasion of right elbow, initial encounter, in category S50 (Superficial injury of elbow and forearm), chapter 19: Injury, poisoning and other consequences of external causes.

Next steps

Compiled by Caduvo from public CMS (Medicare) records, ICD-10-CM FY2026, HCPCS release October 2026, 2026 fee schedule (non-rural state fees). Not reviewed or endorsed by CMS. Not billing or legal advice. Report an error. Data and corrections policy.

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