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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS71.15

S71.15

Billable

Open bite of thigh

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S71.15 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of thigh.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the thigh refers to a traumatic injury characterized by a laceration or puncture wound that penetrates the skin and underlying tissues of the thigh, often resulting from animal bites, human bites, or sharp objects. This injury can lead to significant complications, including infection, hemorrhage, and damage to underlying structures such as muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. In cases of severe trauma, the injury may also be associated with fractures of the femur or dislocations of the hip joint. The management of an open bite typically involves thorough wound cleaning, debridement, and possibly surgical intervention to repair damaged tissues and prevent infection. Orthopedic trauma surgery may be necessary if there are associated fractures or significant soft tissue injuries. The prognosis depends on the severity of the injury, the timeliness of treatment, and the presence of any complicating factors such as pre-existing medical conditions or the patient's overall health status.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between open and closed injuries
  • Identifying associated fractures or dislocations
  • Understanding the extent of soft tissue damage
  • Documenting the mechanism of injury accurately

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications
  • Misclassification of the type of bite (open vs. closed)
  • Lack of detailed surgical notes if surgery is performed

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, imaging studies, and follow-up assessments are essential for accurate coding.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of open thigh injuries with associated femoral fractures or hip dislocations.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented to support the coding of S71.15.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of the initial assessment, treatment provided, and any referrals made.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and management of patients presenting with open thigh bites.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S71.15 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S71
  • 15 should be used when there is a documented open bite of the thigh
  • Coders must ensure that the injury is clearly described as open and that any associated injuries are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S71.15 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for initial treatment of an open bite wound.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size, location, and nature of the wound.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should document any associated injuries.

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. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, leading to improved patient care and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, leading to improved patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, leading to improved patient care and resource allocation.

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.