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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.002

S21.002

Billable

Unspecified open wound of left breast

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/23/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.002 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of left breast.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the left breast refers to a traumatic injury that results in a break in the skin and underlying tissues of the left breast area. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including blunt or penetrating trauma, and may be associated with other thoracic injuries. The left breast is anatomically significant, and injuries in this area can lead to complications such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, or cardiac injuries, especially if the trauma is severe. The management of such wounds often requires thorough assessment to rule out associated injuries, including rib fractures or damage to the thoracic cavity. Surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the wound, control bleeding, or address any underlying damage to the chest wall or internal structures. Accurate coding of this condition is essential for proper treatment documentation and reimbursement, as well as for tracking injury patterns in trauma patients.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of wound specifics (depth, size, contamination)
  • Potential for associated injuries requiring additional codes
  • Differentiation from similar codes for other breast injuries
  • Need for precise anatomical localization in documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications
  • Misclassification of the wound type (open vs. closed)
  • Lack of clarity on the treatment provided

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the wound, mechanism of injury, and any surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of traumatic breast injuries in emergency settings, including gunshot wounds or stab wounds.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly outline any associated thoracic injuries and the rationale for surgical intervention.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment notes including vital signs, imaging results, and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chest trauma from accidents or assaults.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions is crucial for coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.002 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for coding injuries, ensuring specificity in documentation
  • Include any associated injuries and complications in the coding process

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.002 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12031CPT Code

Repair of superficial wound

Clinical Scenario

Used for repair of an open wound on the left breast.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size, depth, and nature of the wound.

Specialty Considerations

Trauma surgeons must ensure detailed operative notes are available.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding traumatic injuries, including open wounds of the breast. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury patterns and outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding traumatic injuries, including open wounds of the breast. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury patterns and outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding traumatic injuries, including open wounds of the breast. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury patterns and outcomes.

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 and closed wound?

An open wound involves a break in the skin, exposing underlying tissues, while a closed wound does not break the skin and may involve bruising or internal damage.