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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS11.035

S11.035

Billable

Open bite of vocal cord

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S11.035 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of vocal cord.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the vocal cord refers to a laceration or injury that disrupts the integrity of the vocal cord tissue, typically resulting from trauma. This injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including blunt force trauma, penetrating injuries, or accidental bites during seizures or other uncontrolled movements. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty speaking, or respiratory distress, depending on the severity of the injury. Diagnosis is primarily through laryngoscopy, which allows direct visualization of the vocal cords and assessment of the extent of the injury. Management may involve conservative measures such as voice rest and hydration, or surgical intervention in more severe cases to repair the vocal cords. Complications can include scarring, chronic hoarseness, or airway obstruction. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment reimbursement and tracking of injury patterns in clinical settings.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and severity of injury
  • Need for precise documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Potential for associated injuries in the head and neck region
  • Differentiation from other laryngeal injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the extent of the vocal cord injury
  • Misclassification of the injury type (open vs. closed)
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include the mechanism of injury, initial assessment findings, and any immediate interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma patients presenting with laryngeal injuries from accidents or assaults.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant injuries are documented, as multiple trauma can complicate coding.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports must detail the surgical approach, findings, and any repairs made to the vocal cords.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring surgical intervention for severe vocal cord lacerations.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the surgical technique and any complications is crucial for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S11.035 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code reflects the specific nature of the injury and its clinical context

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S11.035 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

31505CPT Code

Laryngoscopy, flexible, diagnostic

Clinical Scenario

Used for initial evaluation of vocal cord injuries.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine and ENT specialists should ensure thorough documentation.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites of the vocal cord, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites of the vocal cord, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites of the vocal cord, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care tracking.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mechanism of injury for an open bite of the vocal cord?

The primary mechanism is typically blunt or penetrating trauma, which can occur in various scenarios such as accidents, assaults, or seizures.