S50.841A: External constriction of right forearm, initial encounter
S50.841A, external constriction of right forearm, initial encounter, is listed as a covered diagnosis in 3 Medicare billing and coding articles that apply to 8 HCPCS Level II codes, including G0329 (Electromagnetic therapy, to one or more areas for chronic…), G0281 (Electrical stimulation, (unattended), to one or more…), J1670 (Injection, tetanus immune globulin, human, up to 250 units). 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 S50.841A as a covered diagnosis
| Code | Description | Medicare coverage | DMEPOS fee 2026 (state range) | Articles listing it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | 2 |
| G0281 | Electrical 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 care | Carrier judgment | — | 1 |
| J1670 | Injection, tetanus immune globulin, human, up to 250 units | 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 |
| 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 S50.841A
- A55909: Billing and Coding: Wound Care (WPS Insurance Corporation (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 2 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L35125, L37166, L37228
- A52438: Billing and Coding: Tetanus Immunization (CGS Administrators, LLC (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 1 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)
- S50.842A — External constriction of left forearm, initial encounter
- S50.311A — Abrasion of right elbow, initial encounter
- 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
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover S50.841A (External constriction of right forearm, initial encounter)?
Medicare covers items and services, not diagnoses. 3 Medicare billing and coding articles list S50.841A as a covered diagnosis for 8 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 S50.841A?
The Level II codes from the policies most specific to this diagnosis are G0329 (Electromagnetic therapy, to one or more areas for chronic…, 2 articles); G0281 (Electrical stimulation, (unattended), to one or more…, 1 article); J1670 (Injection, tetanus immune globulin, human, up to 250 units, 1 article); G0151 (Services performed by a qualified physical therapist in…, 1 article); G0157 (Services performed by a qualified physical therapist…, 1 article). Code choice depends on the item supplied; check each code's descriptor.
Which Medicare policy articles list S50.841A?
A55909 (Billing and Coding: Wound Care); A52438 (Billing and Coding: Tetanus Immunization); A53058 (Billing and Coding: Home Health Physical Therapy).
What is ICD-10-CM code S50.841A?
S50.841A is the ICD-10-CM code for external constriction of right forearm, initial encounter, in category S50 (Superficial injury of elbow and forearm), chapter 19: Injury, poisoning and other consequences of external causes.
Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under G0329
- Watch G0329 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for G0329
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