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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.009

S21.009

Billable

Unspecified open wound of unspecified breast

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.009 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of unspecified 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 area. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including blunt or penetrating trauma. The breast is a complex structure composed of glandular tissue, adipose tissue, and connective tissue, making it susceptible to various types of injuries. Open wounds can lead to complications such as infection, significant bleeding, and damage to underlying structures, including the ribs and lungs. In cases of severe trauma, associated injuries such as rib fractures, pneumothorax, hemothorax, or cardiac injuries may also be present. The management of open wounds in the breast often requires thorough assessment and may involve surgical intervention to repair the damage, control bleeding, and prevent infection. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment documentation and reimbursement, as well as for tracking trauma-related outcomes in clinical settings.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of wound specifics (depth, location, etc.)
  • Potential for associated injuries complicating the clinical picture
  • Need for precise anatomical terminology in documentation
  • Differentiation from other types of breast injuries (e.g., closed wounds)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications
  • Lack of specificity in describing the wound
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the wound, mechanism of injury, and any associated injuries.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma from accidents, falls, or assaults leading to open wounds.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all associated injuries are documented to support coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment findings, treatment provided, and follow-up care plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with traumatic injuries to the breast in the emergency department.

Billing Considerations

Timely documentation is crucial for accurate coding and billing.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.009 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, this code should be used when the specific type of open wound is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the use of this unspecified code and consider more specific codes if available

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.009 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 an open wound on the breast.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Trauma surgeons should ensure accurate coding for surgical repairs.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, which can improve the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes. However, the use of unspecified codes like S21.009 may lead to scrutiny during audits.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, which can improve the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes. However, the use of unspecified codes like S21.009 may lead to scrutiny during audits.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. However, the use of unspecified codes like S21.009 may lead to scrutiny during audits.

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 S21.009 instead of a more specific code?

Use S21.009 when the documentation does not specify the type of open wound or when the injury is not clearly defined. If more specific codes are available, they should be used to ensure accurate representation of the patient's condition.