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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.00

S21.00

Billable

Unspecified open wound of breast

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/23/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.00 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of breast.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the breast refers to a traumatic injury that results in a break in the skin and underlying tissues of the breast without a specific description of the wound type. This can occur due to various mechanisms of injury, including blunt or penetrating trauma. In the context of chest trauma, such wounds may be associated with rib fractures, pneumothorax, or hemothorax, particularly in cases of significant blunt force trauma. The breast tissue is highly vascular, and injuries can lead to substantial bleeding or complications such as infection. Additionally, cardiac injuries may occur in severe cases, necessitating careful evaluation and management. Surgical interventions may be required to repair the wound, control bleeding, or address any underlying thoracic injuries. Accurate coding of this condition is essential for proper treatment documentation and reimbursement, as it may impact the overall management of chest trauma patients.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of wound specifics
  • Potential for associated injuries requiring additional codes
  • Differentiation from other types of breast injuries
  • Need for precise clinical details to support coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document associated injuries
  • Misclassification of wound type
  • Lack of clarity in treatment provided

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed account of the mechanism of injury, vital signs, and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with trauma from accidents, falls, or assaults resulting in breast injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation includes any associated thoracic injuries or interventions performed.

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the nature of the wound, surgical interventions, and post-operative care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of breast wounds following trauma or elective procedures.

Billing Considerations

Document any complications or additional procedures performed during surgery.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.00 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the specific type of wound is not documented
  • Include additional codes for associated injuries as necessary

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.00 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

19301CPT Code

Mastectomy, partial

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases where surgical intervention is required for open wounds.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

General surgery documentation must include pre-operative assessments.

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 accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S21.00 provides a broad category for unspecified open wounds, which can be useful in cases where detailed documentation is lacking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S21.00 provides a broad category for unspecified open wounds, which can be useful in cases where detailed documentation is lacking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S21.00 provides a broad category for unspecified open wounds, which can be useful in cases where detailed documentation is lacking.

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 to support the use of S21.00?

Document the mechanism of injury, the extent of the wound, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided to ensure accurate coding.