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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 19: Injury, poisoning and other consequences of external causesS81

S81

Non-billable

Open wound of knee and lower leg

Chapter 19:Injury, poisoning and other consequences of external causes

BILLABLE STATUSNo
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S81 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of open wound of knee and lower leg.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 Level 1 Category code S81 pertains to open wounds of the knee and lower leg, which can include a variety of injuries such as lacerations, abrasions, and puncture wounds. These injuries may result from various causes, including trauma, accidents, or surgical procedures. Clinically, open wounds can lead to complications such as infection, delayed healing, and significant morbidity if not properly managed. Treatment often involves wound care, potential surgical intervention, and monitoring for signs of complications. Understanding the specific nature and extent of the wound is crucial for appropriate coding and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of wound types
  • Potential for complications
  • Need for detailed documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of wound type
  • Failure to specify laterality
  • Misclassification of wound severity

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical and administrative impact of the S81 code category is significant, as it directly relates to the management of trauma cases and the potential for complications that can affect patient outcomes. Accurate coding and billing practices can influence quality measures and reimbursement rates, making it essential for healthcare providers to adhere to best practices. Additionally, understanding the implications of these injuries on population health trends can guide preventive measures and resource allocation in emergency and surgical care settings.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical and administrative impact of the S81 code category is significant, as it directly relates to the management of trauma cases and the potential for complications that can affect patient outcomes. Accurate coding and billing practices can influence quality measures and reimbursement rates, making it essential for healthcare providers to adhere to best practices. Additionally, understanding the implications of these injuries on population health trends can guide preventive measures and resource allocation in emergency and surgical care settings.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing practices can influence quality measures and reimbursement rates, making it essential for healthcare providers to adhere to best practices. Additionally, understanding the implications of these injuries on population health trends can guide preventive measures and resource allocation in emergency and surgical care settings.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for S81

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for S81

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions are included in S81?

Conditions covered under S81 include open lacerations, abrasions, and puncture wounds of the knee and lower leg, as well as complications arising from these injuries.

When should I use S81 codes?

S81 codes should be used when documenting open wounds of the knee and lower leg, particularly in cases of trauma or surgical intervention where the wound is not closed.

What documentation is required for S81?

Documentation should include the type of wound, location, size, depth, and any associated complications or treatments provided.