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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.052

S21.052

Billable

Open bite of left breast

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.052 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of left breast.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the left breast refers to a traumatic injury characterized by a break in the skin and underlying tissues of the left breast, typically resulting from a bite. This type of injury can lead to significant complications, including infection, hematoma formation, and damage to underlying structures such as breast tissue, muscle, and potentially the ribs or thoracic cavity. In cases of severe trauma, associated injuries such as rib fractures, pneumothorax, or hemothorax may occur, necessitating thorough evaluation and management. The clinical presentation may include pain, swelling, and visible laceration or puncture marks. Treatment often involves wound care, possible surgical intervention, and monitoring for complications. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and tracking of trauma-related injuries, especially in cases where surgical intervention is required.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Potential for associated injuries requiring additional codes
  • Need for precise anatomical localization
  • Differentiation from other types of breast injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to report associated injuries
  • Misclassification of the injury type
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for complications

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed account of the injury mechanism, vital signs, and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with bite wounds, trauma from altercations, or animal bites.

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document any signs of infection or complications that may arise from the injury.

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the surgical intervention, including any repair of underlying structures.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for severe lacerations or complications from bite wounds.

Billing Considerations

Document any additional procedures performed, such as drainage of abscesses or repair of associated injuries.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.052 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury type, location, and any associated injuries
  • Include details about the mechanism of injury and any treatments provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.052 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 the open bite wound.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the wound and the method of repair.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is linked to the diagnosis of the open bite.

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 improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track and manage trauma cases effectively.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites, which improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track and manage trauma cases effectively.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites, which improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track and manage trauma cases effectively.

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 documentation needed for coding S21.052?

The primary documentation needed includes a detailed description of the injury mechanism, the extent of the injury, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided.