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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS11.85

S11.85

Billable

Open bite of other specified part of neck

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S11.85 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of other specified part of neck.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the neck refers to a penetrating injury that results in a break in the skin and underlying tissues of the neck, typically caused by a human or animal bite. This type of injury can lead to significant complications, including infection, scarring, and damage to underlying structures such as nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. The neck is a complex area containing vital structures, and injuries here require careful assessment and management. Open bites can occur in various contexts, including altercations, animal attacks, or accidents. Clinical evaluation often involves a thorough history and physical examination, focusing on the extent of the injury, the presence of foreign bodies, and signs of infection. Imaging studies may be warranted to assess for deeper tissue involvement. Management typically includes wound care, possible surgical intervention, and prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection. The prognosis depends on the severity of the injury and the timeliness of treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of bite injuries
  • Need for detailed anatomical descriptions
  • Potential for associated injuries requiring additional codes
  • Differentiation from similar codes for other neck injuries

Audit Risk Factors

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

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include a detailed account of the injury mechanism, physical examination findings, and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with bite wounds from animals or humans, often requiring immediate care for potential infections.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant details about the injury and treatment are captured to support the coding.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports must detail the surgical approach, findings, and any repairs made to the neck structures.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for deep neck bites that require debridement or reconstruction.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires clear documentation of the surgical procedure and any complications encountered.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S11.85 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury's specifics, including the location and type of bite

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S11.85 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for repair of bite wounds in the emergency department.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the wound, as well as the repair technique used.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers should ensure accurate coding based on the complexity of the repair.

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, 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, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement process.

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 difference between an open bite and a closed bite?

An open bite involves a break in the skin and underlying tissues, while a closed bite does not penetrate the skin. Open bites are more prone to infection and require different management.