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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.250

S61.250

Billable

Open bite of right index finger without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.250 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of right index finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the right index finger refers to a wound caused by a puncture or laceration that penetrates through the skin and into the underlying tissues, without affecting the nail. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, such as animal bites, human bites, or sharp objects. The injury may involve damage to the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and potentially deeper structures such as tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. Clinical evaluation is crucial to assess the extent of the injury, as open bites can lead to complications such as infection, tendon injury, or nerve damage. Treatment typically involves thorough cleaning of the wound, possible suturing, and in some cases, surgical intervention to repair damaged structures. Proper documentation should include details about the mechanism of injury, the extent of tissue involvement, and any associated injuries to ensure accurate coding and appropriate management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between open and closed injuries
  • Assessing potential tendon and nerve involvement
  • Documenting the mechanism of injury accurately
  • Identifying associated injuries or complications

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to note associated injuries (e.g., tendon or nerve damage)
  • Misclassification of the type of bite (open vs. closed)
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures associated with open bites, tendon repairs, and nerve decompression.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of any surgical interventions and post-operative care.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Initial assessment notes, wound care documentation, and any imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of acute bite injuries, infection assessments, and referral to specialists.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.250 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S61
  • 250 should be used when documenting an open bite injury to the right index finger without nail damage
  • Coders must ensure that the injury is accurately described and that any associated conditions are documented to support the coding choice

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.250 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for suturing the open bite wound.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the wound and the method of closure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document any additional procedures performed.

26300CPT Code

Tendon repair

Clinical Scenario

Used if tendon damage is assessed during the treatment of the open bite.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes and post-operative care plans.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the extent of tendon involvement.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, such as open bites, which improves the accuracy of patient records and facilitates better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, such as open bites, which improves the accuracy of patient records and facilitates better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, such as open bites, which improves the accuracy of patient records and facilitates better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes.

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 penetrates the skin and may involve deeper tissues, while a closed bite does not break the skin and is typically less severe.