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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.253

S61.253

Billable

Open bite of left middle finger without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.253 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of left middle finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the left middle finger is a type of traumatic injury characterized by a laceration or puncture wound that penetrates the skin and underlying tissues, resulting from a bite. This injury does not involve damage to the nail, which is significant for coding purposes. Open bites can lead to complications such as infection, tendon injury, or nerve damage, particularly in the intricate anatomy of the hand. The middle finger, being centrally located, is often at risk during various activities, including sports, work-related tasks, or accidents. Proper assessment of the injury is crucial, as it may require surgical intervention to repair any damaged structures, including tendons or nerves. The absence of nail damage simplifies the coding process, as it eliminates the need to consider additional codes related to nail injuries. Treatment may involve wound care, possible antibiotic therapy, and in some cases, surgical repair, depending on the severity of the injury and the structures involved. Accurate documentation of the injury's extent and any associated complications is essential for appropriate coding and billing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between open and closed injuries
  • Assessing potential tendon or nerve involvement
  • Documenting the absence of nail damage
  • Understanding the anatomical implications of finger injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury's nature
  • Failure to note associated injuries or complications
  • Misclassification of the injury type (open vs. closed)
  • Lack of clarity in the treatment plan

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the extent of the injury, any surgical interventions performed, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures or tendon injuries resulting from open bites, requiring surgical repair.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all surgical procedures are documented, including any repairs to tendons or nerves.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of the injury, including mechanism of injury and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with open bites from animal or human bites, requiring immediate care.

Billing Considerations

Document the patient's tetanus status and any prophylactic measures taken.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.253 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding injuries, ensuring specificity in the documentation of the injury type and location

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.253 When
  • Exclude codes for nail damage as this code specifically states 'without damage to nail

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds of the face, ears, eyelids, scalp, neck, axillae, genitalia, trunk, and extremities

Clinical Scenario

Used when the open bite requires simple closure without extensive repair.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should note any additional procedures performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 allows for greater specificity in coding injuries, improving the accuracy of claims and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 allows for greater specificity in coding injuries, improving the accuracy of claims and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 allows for greater specificity in coding injuries, improving the accuracy of claims and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation.

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 significance of coding S61.253?

Coding S61.253 accurately reflects an open bite injury to the left middle finger without nail damage, which is crucial for appropriate treatment planning and billing.