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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS71.109

S71.109

Billable

Unspecified open wound, unspecified thigh

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/25/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S71.109 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound, unspecified thigh.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code S71.109 refers to an unspecified open wound located on the thigh. Open wounds can result from various causes, including trauma, surgical procedures, or accidents. In the context of orthopedic injuries, this code may be relevant for patients who have sustained injuries such as hip fractures, femoral injuries, or hip dislocations. These injuries often require surgical intervention, and the presence of an open wound can complicate the healing process. The thigh is a critical area for mobility and weight-bearing, and injuries here can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Proper documentation is essential to capture the specifics of the injury, including the mechanism of injury, the extent of the wound, and any associated complications. Accurate coding is crucial for appropriate treatment planning, reimbursement, and tracking of patient outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of the type and extent of the wound
  • Need for specificity regarding the location and nature of the injury
  • Potential for multiple associated injuries that may require additional coding
  • Differentiation between open and closed wounds

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the type of open wound (e.g., laceration, puncture)
  • Lack of clarity on associated injuries or complications
  • Inconsistent coding practices among different providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the wound, surgical interventions performed, and any complications encountered during the procedure.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with open fractures of the femur, traumatic injuries from falls or accidents, and post-surgical complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant details about the injury and treatment are documented to support the coding of S71.109.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of the patient's history, mechanism of injury, and initial assessment findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients arriving at the emergency department with traumatic injuries to the thigh, including gunshot wounds or severe lacerations.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires clear documentation of the injury's nature and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S71.109 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S71
  • 109 should be used when the specific type of open wound is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and consider additional codes for associated injuries or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S71.109 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12002CPT Code

Simple repair of wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for the repair of an open wound on the thigh.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and depth of the wound, as well as the method of repair.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that the repair method aligns with the complexity of the wound.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding, which can improve patient care and reimbursement accuracy. However, the use of unspecified codes like S71.109 may lead to increased scrutiny during audits.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding, which can improve patient care and reimbursement accuracy. However, the use of unspecified codes like S71.109 may lead to increased scrutiny during audits.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement accuracy. However, the use of unspecified codes like S71.109 may lead to increased scrutiny during audits.

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

When should I use S71.109 instead of a more specific code?

Use S71.109 when the documentation does not specify the type or location of the open wound on the thigh, and no other codes are applicable.