ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS41.15

S41.15

Billable

Open bite of upper arm

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/24/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S41.15 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of upper arm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the upper arm refers to a penetrating injury that results in a wound through the skin and underlying tissues of the upper arm, often caused by animal bites, human bites, or sharp objects. This type of injury can lead to significant complications, including infection, nerve damage, and vascular injury. The upper arm consists of the humerus bone, which can be affected by associated injuries such as fractures or dislocations. In cases of open bites, the risk of infection is heightened due to the introduction of bacteria into the wound. Treatment typically involves thorough cleaning of the wound, possible surgical intervention to repair damaged tissues, and antibiotics to prevent infection. The management of open bites may also require orthopedic evaluation, especially if there is suspicion of underlying bone injury or joint involvement. Proper documentation of the injury's mechanism, extent, and any associated complications is crucial for accurate coding and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential associated injuries (e.g., fractures, dislocations)
  • Need for detailed documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Potential for complications such as infection or nerve damage
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on injury severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to note associated injuries or complications
  • Incorrect coding of the severity of the bite
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the injury mechanism, imaging results, and surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of open bite injuries with associated fractures or dislocations requiring surgical repair.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented to support the coding of S41.15.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of the wound, including size, depth, and any signs of infection.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and management of open bite injuries in the emergency department.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S41.15 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S41
  • 15 should be used when there is a documented open bite of the upper arm
  • It is important to include any associated injuries or complications in the documentation to support the coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S41.15 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12002CPT Code

Simple repair of a wound

Clinical Scenario

Used for the repair of an open bite wound on the upper arm.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and depth of the wound, as well as the repair technique used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should document any associated injuries.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries like open bites, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries like open bites, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 bite and a closed bite?

An open bite involves a break in the skin and underlying tissues, while a closed bite does not penetrate the skin.