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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS11.90

S11.90

Billable

Unspecified open wound of unspecified part of neck

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S11.90 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of unspecified part of neck.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the neck refers to a laceration or break in the skin and underlying tissues in the neck region that does not have a specific description or classification. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms such as 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. Open wounds in this area can lead to significant complications, including hemorrhage, infection, and damage to underlying structures. Clinical assessment typically involves a thorough physical examination to determine the extent of the injury, potential for vascular or airway compromise, and the need for imaging studies. Management may include wound cleaning, suturing, and possibly surgical intervention depending on the severity and nature of the wound. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment documentation and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Lack of specificity in the description of the wound
  • Potential for multiple underlying causes of the injury
  • Variability in clinical presentation and management
  • Need for thorough documentation to support coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the location of the wound
  • Misuse of unspecified codes when more specific codes are available
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on wound healing

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include a detailed description of the injury, mechanism of injury, and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases from accidents, assaults, or sports injuries leading to open wounds.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant details are captured to support the use of unspecified codes.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports should detail the surgical approach, findings, and any repairs performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for deep lacerations or wounds requiring debridement.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding is crucial for surgical procedures; ensure that the nature of the wound is clearly documented.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S11.90 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the specific site of the wound is not documented
  • Always verify that the documentation supports the use of an unspecified code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S11.90 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for repair of open wounds in the neck region.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the wound, as well as the repair technique used.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency 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 detailed coding of injuries, but the use of unspecified codes like S11.90 can lead to increased scrutiny during audits if not properly justified.

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 S11.90 can lead to increased scrutiny during audits if not properly justified.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of injuries, but the use of unspecified codes like S11.90 can lead to increased scrutiny during audits if not properly justified.

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 S11.90 instead of a more specific code?

Use S11.90 when the documentation does not specify the exact location of the open wound, and no other specific codes apply.