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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS01.55

S01.55

Billable

Open bite of lip and oral cavity

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S01.55 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of lip and oral cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the lip and oral cavity refers to a specific type of injury characterized by a break in the skin and mucosal lining of the lip or oral cavity, resulting from trauma. This injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including accidental bites, falls, or blunt force trauma. Open bites can lead to significant bleeding, pain, and potential infection due to exposure of underlying tissues. Clinically, these injuries may present with swelling, tenderness, and difficulty in oral functions such as eating and speaking. The management of an open bite typically involves thorough cleaning of the wound, assessment for foreign bodies, and, if necessary, suturing to promote proper healing. In some cases, especially with deeper injuries, a referral to a specialist such as an oral surgeon may be warranted. Complications can include scarring, infection, and functional impairment of the lip or oral cavity. Accurate diagnosis and coding are essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in injury severity and treatment requirements
  • Potential for associated injuries in the oral cavity
  • Need for precise documentation of injury mechanism
  • Differentiation from similar codes for other types of oral injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the location of the injury accurately
  • Misclassification of the injury type (open vs. closed)
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on healing and complications

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include a detailed account of the injury mechanism, initial assessment findings, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with trauma from falls, sports injuries, or fights resulting in open bites.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of potential airway compromise in severe cases and the need for immediate intervention.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative notes should detail the extent of the injury, surgical interventions performed, and post-operative care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of extensive open bites requiring suturing or flap reconstruction.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must reflect the complexity of the surgical procedure and any complications encountered.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S01.55 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate coding based on the specific injury type, location, and severity
  • Document the mechanism of injury and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S01.55 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds of the face, ears, eyelids, scalp

Clinical Scenario

Used when suturing an open bite of the lip.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the repair procedure and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is documented in the context of the injury.

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 enhances the ability to track and manage these injuries effectively.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites, which enhances the ability to track and manage these injuries effectively.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites, which enhances the ability to track and manage these injuries 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 an open bite and a closed bite?

An open bite involves a break in the skin and mucosal lining, exposing underlying tissues, while a closed bite does not penetrate the skin and typically involves bruising or swelling without an open wound.