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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.45

S21.45

Billable

Open bite of back wall of thorax with penetration into thoracic cavity

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.45 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of back wall of thorax with penetration into thoracic cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the back wall of the thorax with penetration into the thoracic cavity is a traumatic injury that occurs when a sharp object or bite penetrates the thoracic wall, leading to potential damage to underlying structures such as the lungs, heart, and major blood vessels. This type of injury can result in serious complications, including pneumothorax (air in the pleural space), hemothorax (blood in the pleural space), and cardiac injuries. The clinical presentation may include respiratory distress, chest pain, and signs of shock. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as chest X-rays or CT scans to assess the extent of the injury and any associated complications. Management may require surgical intervention to repair the thoracic wall and address any internal injuries, along with supportive care for respiratory function. Given the potential for life-threatening complications, prompt recognition and treatment are critical.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires detailed documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Involves potential complications that must be accurately coded.
  • May necessitate multiple codes for associated injuries (e.g., pneumothorax, hemothorax).
  • Requires understanding of anatomical terminology and injury specifics.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism.
  • Failure to code associated complications.
  • Incorrect linkage of procedures to the diagnosis.
  • Lack of clarity in surgical notes regarding the extent of the injury.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, imaging results, and post-operative care documentation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of penetrating thoracic injuries, surgical repair of thoracic wall defects.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of all associated injuries and complications.

Pulmonology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of pneumothorax or hemothorax following thoracic trauma.

Billing Considerations

Focus on respiratory complications and their management.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.45 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury's mechanism, associated complications, and any surgical interventions performed
  • Include additional codes for complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax as necessary

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.45 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

32551CPT Code

Thoracentesis, needle drainage of pleural effusion

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of hemothorax or pneumothorax following thoracic injury.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for procedure, imaging results, and patient response.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure pulmonology notes reflect the need for drainage.

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 ability to capture the complexity of cases like S21.45, which may involve multiple associated conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of thoracic injuries, improving the ability to capture the complexity of cases like S21.45, which may involve multiple associated conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of thoracic injuries, improving the ability to capture the complexity of cases like S21.45, which may involve multiple associated conditions.

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 are the common complications associated with S21.45?

Common complications include pneumothorax, hemothorax, and potential cardiac injuries, all of which require careful documentation and coding.