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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.551

S31.551

Billable

Open bite of unspecified external genital organs, male

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.551 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of unspecified external genital organs, male.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the external genital organs in males refers to a traumatic injury characterized by a break in the skin and underlying tissues, resulting from a bite. This type of injury can occur due to various incidents, including animal bites, human bites, or self-inflicted injuries. The external genital organs include the penis, scrotum, and surrounding areas. Such injuries can lead to significant bleeding, risk of infection, and potential damage to the underlying structures, including nerves and blood vessels. In cases of severe trauma, there may be associated injuries to the pelvic region, abdominal organs, or lumbar spine, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation. Emergency surgical intervention may be required to manage the wound, control bleeding, and prevent complications. Proper assessment and documentation are crucial for determining the extent of the injury and planning appropriate treatment. The management of open bites often involves wound care, possible antibiotic therapy, and surgical repair if necessary.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of the injury type and extent
  • Potential for associated injuries requiring additional codes
  • Differentiation from similar codes related to genital injuries
  • Need for precise anatomical terminology in documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications
  • Incorrect coding of the injury site or type
  • Lack of clarity in surgical intervention details

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the injury, treatment provided, and any complications.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of traumatic injuries to the male genitalia, including bites.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate anatomical descriptions and document any surgical interventions performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of the injury, including vital signs and initial treatment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Presentation of patients with traumatic genital injuries in the emergency department.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.551 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury type, location, and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.551 When
  • Exclude codes for injuries that are not open bites or do not involve the external genital organs

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for repair of the bite wound after initial assessment.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size, location, and depth of the wound.

Specialty Considerations

Urology specialists may need to provide additional details on the repair technique used.

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, which helps in better tracking of injury types and associated complications.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites, which helps in better tracking of injury types and associated complications.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites, which helps in better tracking of injury types and associated complications.

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 is the difference between an open bite and a closed bite?

An open bite involves a break in the skin and underlying tissues, while a closed bite does not penetrate the skin. Open bites are at higher risk for infection and require different management.