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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for scalp injury

S09.90

Unspecified injury of head

Header — needs a more specific code

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Injury › scalp”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding scalp injury

The ICD-10-CM code for scalp injury is S09.90 (Unspecified injury of head). The official index lists 4 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on S09.90.

Within S09.9 (unspecified injury of face and head), S09.90 is specifically for unspecified injury of head. Related codes cover ear (S09.91), nose (S09.92) and face (S09.93).

Codes in this range require a 7th character: A for initial encounter, D for subsequent encounter and S for sequela. Use placeholder "X" characters to fill any empty positions before the 7th character.

Don't report S09.90 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: brain injury NOS (S06.9-), head injury NOS with loss of consciousness (S06.9-) and intracranial injury NOS (S06.9-).

More specific scalp injury codes (official index)

  • newborn (birth injury) P12.9 — Birth injury to scalp, unspecified
  • due to monitoring (electrode) (sampling incision) P12.4 — Injury of scalp of newborn due to monitoring equipment
  • specified NEC P12.89 — Other birth injuries to scalp
  • caput succedaneum P12.81 — Caput succedaneum

Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for S09.90)

  • brain injury NOS (S06.9-)
  • head injury NOS with loss of consciousness (S06.9-)
  • intracranial injury NOS (S06.9-)

Common questions about scalp injury ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for scalp injury?

S09.90 — Unspecified injury of head (a header code; report a more specific subcode). More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: P12.9, P12.4, P12.89, P12.81.

What is the ICD-10 code for newborn scalp injury?

P12.9 — Birth injury to scalp, unspecified.

Is S09.90 billable?

No. S09.90 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.