ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS51.851

S51.851

Billable

Open bite of right forearm

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/24/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S51.851 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of right forearm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the right forearm refers to a wound characterized by a break in the skin and underlying tissues, typically caused by a sharp object or animal bite. This injury can lead to significant complications, including infection, nerve damage, and vascular injury. The forearm consists of two long bones, the radius and ulna, which may also be affected in cases of severe trauma. Open bites can result in soft tissue damage, exposing underlying structures, and may require surgical intervention for proper healing. In addition to the immediate treatment of the wound, assessment for associated injuries such as fractures of the radius or ulna, compartment syndrome, and the need for orthopedic fixation procedures is crucial. Compartment syndrome, a condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment compromises blood flow, can occur due to swelling or bleeding in the forearm following an open bite. Prompt recognition and treatment are essential to prevent long-term complications. The management of an open bite may involve wound care, antibiotics to prevent infection, and possibly surgical debridement or fixation if fractures are present.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential associated injuries (e.g., fractures, compartment syndrome)
  • Need for detailed documentation of the wound and treatment
  • Potential for surgical intervention complicating coding
  • Variability in clinical presentation and treatment approaches

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications
  • Incorrect coding of the wound type (open vs. closed)
  • Lack of clarity in treatment plans and follow-up care

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the injury, imaging results, and surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures associated with open bites, surgical fixation of forearm fractures, management of compartment syndrome.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of any surgical procedures performed, including fixation methods and follow-up care.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of the initial assessment, wound care provided, and any imaging or referrals made.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial treatment of open bites, assessment for fractures, and management of potential infections.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any immediate complications to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S51.851 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury type, location, and any associated complications
  • Include details about the treatment provided and any follow
  • up care required

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S51.851 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for initial treatment of the open bite wound.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may also document any fixation procedures performed.

24500CPT Code

Open treatment of fracture of radius

Clinical Scenario

Used when an open bite leads to a fracture requiring surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative report outlining the fracture type and fixation method.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure alignment with the diagnosis of open bite and associated fractures.

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. This specificity aids in improved 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, which helps in better tracking of injury types and associated complications. This specificity aids in improved patient care and resource allocation.

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. This specificity aids in improved 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 is the difference between an open bite and a closed bite?

An open bite involves a break in the skin and exposure of underlying tissues, while a closed bite does not penetrate the skin. Open bites are typically more complex and carry a higher risk of complications.