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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS81.001

S81.001

Billable

Unspecified open wound, right knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S81.001 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound, right knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the right knee refers to a traumatic injury that results in a break in the skin and underlying tissues around the knee joint. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including falls, sports injuries, or accidents. Open wounds can vary in severity, from superficial abrasions to deep lacerations that may involve muscles, tendons, ligaments, or even bone. In the context of knee injuries, such wounds can lead to complications such as infection, delayed healing, and potential damage to the knee's structural integrity. The knee joint is complex, comprising bones (femur, tibia, fibula), ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), and cartilage. An open wound may also coincide with other injuries, such as tibial or fibular fractures, ligament tears, or meniscal injuries, necessitating comprehensive evaluation and management. Treatment often involves wound care, possible surgical intervention, and rehabilitation to restore function and prevent long-term complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in the severity of the wound
  • Potential for associated injuries (fractures, ligament tears)
  • Need for detailed documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Differentiation from closed wounds and other knee injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to specify the extent of the wound
  • Misclassification of the wound type (open vs. closed)
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on healing or complications

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the wound, associated injuries, and treatment plans are essential. Operative reports should clearly outline the surgical approach and any reconstructive procedures performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Orthopedic surgeons frequently encounter open knee wounds in trauma cases, sports injuries, and post-surgical complications.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires careful attention to the specifics of the injury and any concurrent procedures performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Emergency physicians must document the mechanism of injury, initial assessment findings, and any immediate interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include trauma cases presenting with open knee wounds due to falls or vehicular accidents.

Billing Considerations

Timely and accurate documentation is critical for coding and billing, especially in acute care settings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S81.001 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S81
  • 001 should be used when the specific nature of the open wound is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and that it aligns with the clinical findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S81.001 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12031CPT Code

Simple repair of wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for the repair of an open wound on the right knee.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include the size of the wound and the method of repair.

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 greater specificity in coding open wounds, enabling better tracking of injury types and outcomes. S81.001 provides a clear designation for unspecified open wounds, which can help in data collection and analysis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding open wounds, enabling better tracking of injury types and outcomes. S81.001 provides a clear designation for unspecified open wounds, which can help in data collection and analysis.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance.

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 should I document to support the use of S81.001?

You should document the mechanism of injury, the size and depth of the wound, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided. This information is crucial for accurate coding and billing.