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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS01.90

S01.90

Billable

Unspecified open wound of unspecified part of head

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S01.90 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of unspecified part of head.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code S01.90 refers to an unspecified open wound of the head, which can encompass a variety of injuries including lacerations, abrasions, or puncture wounds that do not have a specified location on the head. Open wounds are characterized by a break in the skin, exposing underlying tissues, and can result from various mechanisms such as blunt force trauma, sharp objects, or falls. Clinical presentation may include bleeding, swelling, and pain at the injury site. The management of such wounds typically involves thorough cleaning, possible suturing, and monitoring for infection. Accurate diagnosis is crucial as it guides treatment and potential surgical intervention. Given the unspecified nature of this code, it is essential for healthcare providers to document the mechanism of injury and any associated symptoms to ensure appropriate coding and billing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified nature of the injury complicates coding specificity.
  • Variety of potential mechanisms of injury can lead to confusion.
  • Need for detailed documentation to support the diagnosis.
  • Potential for misclassification if additional details are not provided.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to specify the location of the wound.
  • Use of unspecified codes when more specific codes are available.
  • Inconsistent coding practices across different providers.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Emergency department notes must include details of the injury mechanism, assessment findings, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with head injuries from falls, assaults, or accidents requiring immediate care.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant details are captured in the medical record to support the use of S01.90.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports should detail the nature of the wound, surgical interventions performed, and any complications encountered.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of open wounds on the head, including lacerations requiring suturing or debridement.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding is essential for surgical procedures; ensure that the wound type and location are clearly documented.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S01.90 When
  • According to ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, coders should use the most specific code available
  • If the location of the wound can be determined, a more specific code should be utilized
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis and any associated treatments

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S01.90 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds of the head

Clinical Scenario

Used when suturing an open wound on the head.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report must detail the wound's location and size.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine and surgical specialties should ensure accurate linkage between the procedure and diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of injuries, but the use of unspecified codes like S01.90 can lead to increased scrutiny during audits. Coders must ensure they are using the most specific codes available to avoid potential reimbursement issues.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of injuries, but the use of unspecified codes like S01.90 can lead to increased scrutiny during audits. Coders must ensure they are using the most specific codes available to avoid potential reimbursement issues.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement issues.

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 S01.90 instead of a more specific code?

S01.90 should be used when the documentation does not specify the location of the open wound on the head, and no more specific code is applicable.