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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.25

S61.25

Billable

Open bite of finger without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.25 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the finger without damage to the nail is a type of injury that occurs when a sharp object or another person's teeth penetrate the skin of the finger, creating an open wound. This injury can result from various incidents, including animal bites, human bites, or accidents involving sharp objects. Clinically, it is essential to assess the extent of the injury, as open bites can lead to complications such as infections, tendon injuries, or nerve damage. The absence of nail damage indicates that the injury is limited to the soft tissue of the finger, which may include the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and possibly deeper structures like tendons or nerves. Treatment typically involves cleaning the wound, possible suturing, and monitoring for signs of infection. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary if there is significant damage to underlying structures. Proper documentation of the injury's mechanism, location, and any associated symptoms is crucial for accurate coding and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in injury severity and associated structures affected
  • Need for detailed documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Potential for co-existing conditions (e.g., fractures, tendon injuries)
  • Differentiation from similar codes (e.g., closed bites, nail injuries)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to document associated injuries (e.g., fractures, tendon damage)
  • Misclassification of the injury type (open vs. closed)
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed account of the injury mechanism, physical examination findings, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with animal bites, human bites, or injuries from sharp objects.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of potential infections and the need for tetanus prophylaxis.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of any underlying fractures or tendon injuries, including imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for severe open bites with tendon or nerve involvement.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of surgical procedures and post-operative care is critical.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.25 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S61
  • 25 should be used when documenting an open bite of the finger without nail damage
  • Coders must ensure that the injury is accurately described and that any associated injuries are documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.25 When
  • Exclusions include injuries with nail involvement or those classified under different injury types

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for suturing an open bite wound on the finger.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the wound and the technique used.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers should ensure accurate coding based on the complexity of the repair.

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 bites. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve patient care and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve patient care and resource allocation.

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 with exposure to underlying tissues, while a closed bite does not penetrate the skin.