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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.255

S61.255

Billable

Open bite of left ring finger without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.255 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of left ring finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the left ring finger refers to a traumatic injury where the skin is punctured or lacerated, resulting in an open wound, but without any damage to the nail. This type of injury can occur due to various incidents, such as animal bites, human bites, or accidents involving sharp objects. Clinically, it is essential to assess the extent of the injury, as open bites can lead to complications such as infection, tendon injuries, or nerve damage. The left ring finger is particularly vulnerable due to its anatomical position and the presence of tendons and nerves that can be affected by deep lacerations. Treatment typically involves cleaning the wound, possibly suturing, and monitoring for signs of infection. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair damaged tendons or nerves. Accurate coding is crucial for proper treatment documentation and reimbursement, as well as for tracking injury patterns in epidemiological studies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between open and closed injuries
  • Assessing potential tendon and nerve involvement
  • Documenting the absence of nail damage
  • Understanding the implications of bite wounds

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to specify the absence of nail damage
  • Misclassification of the injury type (bite vs. laceration)
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for potential complications

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the injury mechanism, assessment of the wound, and any immediate interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with bite wounds from animals or humans, requiring urgent care.

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document the time since injury and any signs of infection or complications.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluation of any potential tendon or nerve damage, including imaging studies if performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of tendons or nerves following a bite injury.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical interventions and post-operative care plans.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.255 When
  • Follow the ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding injuries, ensuring specificity in the location and type of injury
  • Include any relevant external cause codes if applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.255 When
  • Exclude codes for injuries with nail damage or other complications

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for suturing the open bite wound on the left ring finger.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the wound and the method of closure.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers should ensure accurate coding for wound repair.

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. S61.255 provides a clear distinction between types of finger injuries, which aids in clinical management and epidemiological tracking.

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. S61.255 provides a clear distinction between types of finger injuries, which aids in clinical management and epidemiological tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S61.255 provides a clear distinction between types of finger injuries, which aids in clinical management and epidemiological tracking.

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 laceration?

An open bite specifically refers to a wound caused by a bite, while a laceration can be caused by various sharp objects. Open bites may have unique complications and treatment considerations.