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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.35

S61.35

Billable

Open bite of finger with damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.35 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of finger with damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the finger with damage to the nail is a specific type of injury that occurs when a sharp object or another person's teeth penetrate the skin of the finger, resulting in an open wound. This injury often involves not only the skin but also the underlying structures, including the nail matrix, which can lead to nail deformities or loss. The severity of the injury can vary, with potential complications such as infection, tendon damage, or nerve injury. In cases where the nail is damaged, it may require surgical intervention to repair the nail bed or matrix. Proper assessment and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term functional impairment of the finger. The injury is commonly seen in various settings, including sports, animal bites, or accidents involving sharp objects. Treatment may involve wound care, possible surgical repair, and rehabilitation to restore function and appearance of the finger.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple anatomical structures (skin, nail, underlying tissues)
  • Potential for associated injuries (tendon, nerve, fracture)
  • Variability in treatment approaches (conservative vs. surgical)
  • Need for detailed documentation of injury specifics

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the extent of injury
  • Failure to document associated injuries (e.g., tendon or nerve damage)
  • Misclassification of the injury type
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the injury, surgical procedures performed, and post-operative care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures associated with open bites, tendon repairs, and nail bed reconstructions.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of any associated fractures or tendon injuries.

Plastic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive notes on the cosmetic and functional aspects of nail and finger reconstruction.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Reconstruction of nail beds and repair of soft tissue injuries.

Billing Considerations

Document the aesthetic outcomes and functional assessments post-surgery.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.35 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S61
  • 35 should be used when there is a documented open bite of the finger with specific damage to the nail
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation clearly indicates the nature of the injury, any associated complications, and the treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.35 When
  • Exclusions include injuries that do not involve nail damage or are classified under different injury codes

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for initial treatment of open bite injuries with nail damage.

Documentation Requirements

Document the extent of the wound and any repair performed.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic or plastic surgery notes should detail the repair process.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries like S61.35, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking injury patterns and outcomes more effectively.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries like S61.35, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking injury patterns and outcomes more effectively.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking injury patterns and outcomes more effectively.

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 S61.34 and S61.35?

S61.34 refers to an open bite of the finger without damage to the nail, while S61.35 specifically includes damage to the nail, which can complicate treatment and recovery.