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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS71.159

S71.159

Billable

Open bite, unspecified thigh

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/25/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S71.159 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite, unspecified thigh.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the thigh refers to a wound that penetrates through the skin and underlying tissues of the thigh, resulting in exposure of the underlying structures. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including trauma from sharp objects, animal bites, or accidents. The thigh is a critical area as it houses major blood vessels, nerves, and muscles that are essential for mobility and stability. Open bites can lead to significant complications, including infection, delayed healing, and potential damage to the femur or surrounding soft tissues. In cases where the injury is severe, surgical intervention may be necessary to clean the wound, repair damaged tissues, and prevent complications. Orthopedic trauma surgery may be required if there are associated fractures or dislocations, particularly involving the femur or hip joint. Proper assessment and management are crucial to ensure optimal recovery and function of the affected limb.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of injury mechanism
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., fractures, dislocations)
  • Need for detailed descriptions of the wound and treatment
  • Differentiation from similar codes (e.g., closed fractures)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to document associated injuries or procedures
  • Inconsistent coding of similar injuries
  • Lack of clarity in surgical reports

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, including the extent of the injury, surgical procedures performed, and post-operative care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Open fractures, traumatic injuries requiring surgical intervention, and management of complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented and coded appropriately to reflect the complexity of the case.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment notes, including mechanism of injury, initial treatment provided, and any referrals made.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute trauma cases, lacerations, and bites requiring immediate care.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of the injury's nature and any immediate interventions is crucial for proper coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S71.159 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S71
  • 159 should be used when the specific location of the open bite is not documented
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and that it aligns with the clinical findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S71.159 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12002CPT Code

Simple repair of a wound

Clinical Scenario

Used for repair of an open bite wound on the thigh.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that the repair aligns with the complexity of the injury.

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. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve 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. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including open bites. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve 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 fracture?

An open bite involves a wound that penetrates the skin and exposes underlying tissues, while a closed fracture is a break in the bone without any external wound.