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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS81.002

S81.002

Billable

Unspecified open wound, left knee

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/26/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S81.002 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound, left knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the left knee refers to a traumatic injury that results in a break in the skin and underlying tissues around the knee joint. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including falls, sports injuries, or accidents. Open wounds can vary in severity, from superficial abrasions to deep lacerations that may involve muscles, tendons, ligaments, and even bone structures. The knee is a complex joint composed of bones (femur, tibia, fibula), cartilage, ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), and tendons, making it susceptible to various injuries. In cases of open wounds, there is a risk of infection, which can complicate healing and recovery. Treatment often involves cleaning the wound, suturing if necessary, and monitoring for signs of infection. Additionally, associated injuries such as ligament tears or fractures may be present, necessitating further evaluation and management. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement, as well as for tracking injury patterns and outcomes in clinical practice.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in the severity of the wound
  • Potential for associated injuries (fractures, ligament tears)
  • Need for detailed documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Differentiation from other knee injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to specify the depth of the wound
  • Omission of associated injuries in the medical record
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the injury, treatment provided, and any surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Open fractures, ligament repairs, and wound debridement.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented to support coding for comprehensive treatment.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough assessment of the wound, mechanism of injury, and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases presenting with open wounds, lacerations, and potential fractures.

Billing Considerations

Document the patient's vital signs and any immediate interventions to support the coding of the injury.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S81.002 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, open wounds should be coded based on the specific site and type of wound
  • The code S81
  • 002 is used when the wound is unspecified, and additional codes may be required to capture associated injuries or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S81.002 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12002CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for suturing an open wound on the left knee.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may perform more complex repairs requiring additional coding.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, improving the ability to track and analyze injury patterns. However, the unspecified nature of S81.002 can lead to challenges in accurately capturing the complexity of knee injuries.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, improving the ability to track and analyze injury patterns. However, the unspecified nature of S81.002 can lead to challenges in accurately capturing the complexity of knee injuries.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, improving the ability to track and analyze injury patterns. However, the unspecified nature of S81.002 can lead to challenges in accurately capturing the complexity of knee injuries.

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 S81.002 and S81.001?

S81.002 refers to an unspecified open wound of the left knee, while S81.001 refers to an unspecified open wound of the right knee. The distinction is important for accurate coding and treatment planning.