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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.301

S21.301

Billable

Unspecified open wound of right front wall of thorax with penetration into thoracic cavity

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.301 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of right front wall of thorax with penetration into thoracic cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the right front wall of the thorax with penetration into the thoracic cavity indicates a significant injury that can lead to various complications. This type of wound may result from trauma such as gunshot wounds, stab wounds, or severe blunt force injuries. The penetration into the thoracic cavity can lead to life-threatening conditions such as pneumothorax (air in the pleural space), hemothorax (blood in the pleural space), and potential cardiac injuries. Patients may present with respiratory distress, chest pain, and signs of shock. Immediate medical intervention is critical, often requiring thoracotomy or other surgical procedures to manage the injury and prevent further complications. The complexity of treatment and the potential for associated injuries, such as rib fractures or damage to the lungs and heart, necessitate thorough documentation and careful coding to ensure accurate representation of the patient's condition and treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in injury severity and associated complications
  • Need for detailed documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Potential for multiple co-existing injuries requiring additional codes
  • Variability in surgical interventions and their documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications
  • Incorrect coding of the type of wound (open vs. closed)
  • Lack of clarity in surgical intervention documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and notes on the mechanism of injury.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of penetrating chest trauma, rib fractures, and associated thoracic injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all injuries are documented, including any surgical interventions performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Initial assessment notes, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute management of trauma patients presenting with chest wounds.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of vital signs and immediate interventions is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.301 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the documentation specifies an open wound with penetration into the thoracic cavity
  • Ensure that all associated injuries are coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.301 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

32000CPT Code

Thoracentesis

Clinical Scenario

Used for drainage of pleural effusion or hemothorax.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure compliance with local guidelines for procedural 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 wounds of the thorax, which enhances the ability to capture the complexity of trauma cases and improves data accuracy for treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open wounds of the thorax, which enhances the ability to capture the complexity of trauma cases and improves data accuracy for treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open wounds of the thorax, which enhances the ability to capture the complexity of trauma cases and improves data accuracy for treatment 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 significance of specifying the type of wound?

Specifying the type of wound is crucial for accurate coding, as it affects treatment protocols, potential complications, and reimbursement.