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 CodesS81.00

S81.00

Billable

Unspecified open wound of knee

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/26/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S81.00 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the knee refers to a traumatic injury characterized by a break in the skin and underlying tissues in the knee region, which may involve the joint capsule, ligaments, tendons, or muscles. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including falls, sports injuries, or accidents. The severity of the wound can vary from superficial abrasions to deep lacerations that may expose bone or joint structures. Open wounds in the knee can lead to complications such as infection, delayed healing, and joint instability. Proper assessment and management are crucial, as they may require surgical intervention, especially if there is significant tissue damage or if the wound is contaminated. Treatment often involves cleaning the wound, suturing, and possibly reconstructive procedures to restore knee function and stability. The coding for this condition is essential for accurate medical billing and tracking of injury patterns, which can inform preventive measures and treatment protocols.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in the severity and type of open wounds
  • Potential involvement of multiple anatomical structures
  • Need for detailed documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Differentiation from other knee injuries such as fractures or ligament tears

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Lack of detailed descriptions of the wound's characteristics
  • Inconsistent coding of related procedures
  • Failure to document complications or follow-up care

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, including the type of wound, surgical approach, and any reconstructive procedures performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Open knee wounds requiring surgical intervention, such as debridement or repair of ligaments.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant anatomical structures involved in the injury are documented to support the complexity of the case.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment notes, including mechanism of injury, initial treatment provided, and any imaging studies performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with traumatic knee injuries from falls or accidents requiring immediate care.

Billing Considerations

Document the urgency of the situation and any immediate interventions to justify the level of care provided.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S81.00 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S81
  • 00 should be used when the specific type of open wound is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and consider additional codes for associated injuries or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S81.00 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12002CPT Code

Simple repair of wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for suturing an open wound of the knee in an outpatient setting.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the wound and the technique used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may perform more complex repairs requiring additional coding.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of knee injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S81.00 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders are encouraged to seek specificity when possible.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of knee injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S81.00 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders are encouraged to seek specificity when possible.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S81.00 serves as a catch-all for unspecified cases, but coders are encouraged to seek specificity when possible.

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

When should I use S81.00 instead of a more specific code?

Use S81.00 when the documentation does not specify the type of open wound or when the injury is still under evaluation and further details are pending.