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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS51.05

S51.05

Billable

Open bite of elbow

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S51.05 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of elbow.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the elbow refers to a penetrating injury that disrupts the skin and underlying tissues around the elbow joint, often resulting from trauma such as a fall, sports injury, or an accident. This type of injury can involve damage to the skin, muscles, tendons, and potentially the underlying bones, including the humerus, radius, and ulna. Open bites can lead to complications such as infection, delayed healing, and impaired function of the elbow joint. In cases where the injury is severe, surgical intervention may be necessary to clean the wound, repair damaged tissues, and stabilize the joint. The management of an open bite injury often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including orthopedic surgeons, wound care specialists, and physical therapists to ensure optimal recovery and rehabilitation. The complexity of treatment can vary based on the extent of the injury, the presence of foreign bodies, and the patient's overall health status.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in injury severity and associated complications
  • Need for detailed documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Potential for multiple procedures and co-morbidities
  • Differentiation from similar codes for other types of elbow injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to document associated procedures performed
  • Misclassification of the type of injury
  • Lack of follow-up documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, imaging studies, and post-operative care plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Open fractures, complex lacerations, and compartment syndrome management.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of all procedures performed during surgery.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of initial assessment, treatment provided, and any referrals made.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute trauma cases, initial wound care, and stabilization of fractures.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S51.05 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury type, location, and any associated procedures
  • Include details about the mechanism of injury and any complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S51.05 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration, and/or injection into a major joint or bursa

Clinical Scenario

Used for joint aspiration in cases of swelling post-injury.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for aspiration and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure proper coding based on the procedure performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of open bite injuries, 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 open bite injuries, 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 fracture?

An open bite involves skin penetration and potential exposure of underlying structures, while a closed fracture does not break the skin.