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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.256

S61.256

Billable

Open bite of right little finger without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.256 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of right little finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the right little finger refers to a wound that penetrates through the skin and underlying tissues, resulting from a bite injury. This type of injury can occur in various scenarios, such as animal bites, human bites, or self-inflicted injuries. The absence of damage to the nail indicates that the injury is confined to the soft tissues of the finger, including the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and possibly the underlying tendons or nerves. Open bites can lead to complications such as infection, scarring, and functional impairment of the finger. Proper assessment is crucial to determine the extent of the injury, including any potential involvement of tendons or nerves, which may require surgical intervention. Treatment typically involves wound care, possible antibiotic therapy, and monitoring for signs of infection. In cases where tendon or nerve damage is suspected, further imaging or surgical evaluation may be necessary to restore function and prevent long-term disability.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between open and closed injuries
  • Assessing potential tendon or nerve involvement
  • Documenting the mechanism of injury accurately
  • Understanding the implications of bite wounds

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to note associated injuries or complications
  • Misclassification of the type of injury (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, initial assessment findings, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with bite wounds from animals or humans, requiring immediate care.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of potential infections and the need for tetanus prophylaxis.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluation of any tendon or nerve involvement, imaging results, and surgical notes if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring surgical intervention for tendon repair or reconstruction following a bite injury.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of functional assessments and rehabilitation plans.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.256 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury type, location, and any associated complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.256 When
  • Exclude codes for injuries with nail damage or other types of finger injuries

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for repair of the open bite wound.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine may require additional documentation for follow-up care.

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, which helps in better tracking and management of such injuries in clinical practice.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites, which helps in better tracking and management of such injuries in clinical practice.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites, which helps in better tracking and management of such injuries in clinical practice.

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