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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.352

S21.352

Billable

Open bite of left front wall of thorax with penetration into thoracic cavity

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.352 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of left front wall of thorax with penetration into thoracic cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the left front wall of the thorax with penetration into the thoracic cavity is a traumatic injury that typically results from a penetrating object, such as a weapon or a sharp object, causing a wound that breaches the thoracic wall. This injury can lead to serious complications, including pneumothorax (air in the pleural space), hemothorax (blood in the pleural space), and potential cardiac injuries due to the proximity of the heart to the thoracic wall. The clinical presentation may include respiratory distress, chest pain, and signs of shock. Immediate medical intervention is critical to manage the airway, breathing, and circulation, and to prevent further complications. Surgical intervention may be required to repair the thoracic wall, control bleeding, and address any injuries to the lungs or heart. Accurate coding of this condition is essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires detailed documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Involves potential complications that must be documented.
  • May require multiple codes for associated injuries (e.g., pneumothorax, hemothorax).
  • Surgical interventions may vary widely, affecting coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to document associated complications.
  • Incorrect coding of additional injuries.
  • Lack of surgical documentation if applicable.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and notes on the mechanism of injury.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of penetrating chest trauma, surgical repair of thoracic injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all associated injuries are documented and coded.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough initial assessment notes, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and stabilization of patients with chest trauma.

Billing Considerations

Document vital signs and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.352 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding injuries, including the use of additional codes for complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax
  • Ensure that the documentation supports the use of this specific code, particularly regarding the nature of the injury and any surgical interventions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.352 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

32000CPT Code

Thoracentesis

Clinical Scenario

Used for drainage of pleural effusion in cases of hemothorax.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for procedure, patient consent, and post-procedure assessment.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure compliance with local guidelines for thoracentesis.

39000CPT Code

Thoracotomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed for surgical repair of thoracic wall injuries.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative report and post-operative care notes.

Specialty Considerations

Document any complications encountered during surgery.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites with penetration. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, improving patient care and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites with penetration. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, improving patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites with penetration. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, improving patient care and resource allocation.

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 are the key documentation requirements for coding S21.352?

Key documentation includes a detailed description of the injury mechanism, any associated complications, surgical interventions performed, and follow-up care provided.

How do I differentiate between S21.352 and similar codes?

Carefully review the documentation for specifics on the injury type, location, and any complications. Ensure that the code reflects the exact nature of the injury.