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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS11.9

S11.9

Billable

Open wound of unspecified part of neck

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S11.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open wound of unspecified part of neck.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open wound of the neck refers to a break in the skin or mucous membrane in the neck region, which may involve underlying tissues such as muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. This type of injury can result from various mechanisms, including trauma from sharp objects, blunt force, or accidents. The neck is a critical area containing vital structures, including the trachea, esophagus, major blood vessels, and nerves, making the assessment and management of such wounds crucial. Clinical evaluation typically involves a thorough physical examination to assess the extent of the wound, potential involvement of deeper structures, and the risk of complications such as infection or hemorrhage. Management may include wound cleaning, suturing, and possibly surgical intervention depending on the severity and depth of the wound. The prognosis largely depends on the promptness of treatment and the presence of any associated injuries.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying injuries (vascular, neurological, etc.)
  • Need for detailed documentation of wound characteristics
  • Differentiation from other neck injuries
  • Potential for associated complications

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the wound's characteristics
  • Failure to specify the mechanism of injury
  • Inadequate assessment of associated injuries
  • Misclassification of the wound type

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include a detailed description of the wound, mechanism of injury, and any immediate interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases from accidents, assaults, or self-inflicted injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant details are captured, including vital signs and neurological assessments.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative notes should detail the surgical approach, findings, and any repairs made to underlying structures.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for deep neck wounds requiring exploration and repair.

Billing Considerations

Document any complications encountered during surgery and the rationale for surgical decisions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S11.9 When
  • Follow the ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for injuries, ensuring specificity in documentation and coding based on the clinical scenario and treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S11.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds of the neck

Clinical Scenario

Used when performing a simple repair on an open neck wound.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine and surgical specialties should ensure accurate coding based on the complexity of the repair.

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, which is crucial for public health and safety initiatives.

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, which is crucial for public health and safety initiatives.

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, which is crucial for public health and safety initiatives.

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 should I document for an open wound of the neck?

Document the mechanism of injury, the size and depth of the wound, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided.