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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.351

S21.351

Billable

Open bite 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 S21.351 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of right front wall of thorax with penetration into thoracic cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the right front wall of the thorax with penetration into the thoracic cavity is a traumatic injury that typically results from a penetrating object, such as a bite from an animal or a sharp object. This injury can lead to significant complications, including pneumothorax (air in the pleural space), hemothorax (blood in the pleural space), and potential cardiac injuries due to the proximity of the heart to the thoracic wall. The clinical presentation may include respiratory distress, chest pain, and signs of shock. Diagnosis often involves imaging studies such as chest X-rays or CT scans to assess for rib fractures, lung injuries, and the extent of penetration into the thoracic cavity. Management may require surgical intervention to repair the thoracic wall, drain any fluid collections, and address any underlying injuries to the lungs or heart. The complexity of this injury necessitates careful documentation and coding to ensure accurate representation of the patient's condition and treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires detailed documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Involves potential complications that must be documented.
  • May require multiple codes for associated injuries (e.g., pneumothorax, rib fractures).
  • Surgical interventions may vary widely based on the extent of injury.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to document associated injuries (e.g., pneumothorax, hemothorax).
  • Misclassification of the type of injury (open vs. closed).
  • Lack of clarity in surgical intervention details.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and follow-up notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of the surgical approach and any complications encountered during the procedure.

Pulmonology

Documentation Requirements

Pulmonary function tests, imaging results, and clinical assessments of respiratory status.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation and management of pneumothorax and hemothorax following thoracic trauma.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of respiratory symptoms and the need for interventions such as chest tube placement.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.351 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury type, location, and any associated complications
  • Include additional codes for any related conditions such as pneumothorax or hemothorax as necessary

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.351 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

32000CPT Code

Thoracentesis

Clinical Scenario

Used for drainage of pleural effusion in cases of hemothorax.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for procedure, patient consent, and post-procedure assessment.

Specialty Considerations

Pulmonology may require additional documentation of lung function tests.

39000CPT Code

Thoracotomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed for surgical repair of thoracic wall injuries.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative report and post-operative care notes.

Specialty Considerations

Trauma surgery requires thorough documentation of injury assessment and surgical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of thoracic injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S21.351 provides a clear distinction between types of thoracic injuries, which is crucial for clinical management and research.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of thoracic injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S21.351 provides a clear distinction between types of thoracic injuries, which is crucial for clinical management and research.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S21.351 provides a clear distinction between types of thoracic injuries, which is crucial for clinical management and research.

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 concern with an open bite to the thorax?

The primary concern is the risk of penetrating injuries to the lungs and heart, which can lead to pneumothorax, hemothorax, and significant respiratory distress.

How do I document the mechanism of injury for this code?

Clearly describe the incident that caused the injury, including details such as the type of object involved and the circumstances surrounding the injury.