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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS81.851

S81.851

Billable

Open bite, right lower leg

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S81.851 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite, right lower leg.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite in the right lower leg refers to a wound characterized by a break in the skin and underlying tissues, exposing the bone or muscle. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including trauma from falls, accidents, or sports injuries. The open bite may involve damage to the tibia or fibula, leading to complications such as infection, delayed healing, or non-union of fractures. In cases where the injury is associated with knee injuries, it may also involve ligament tears, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament (MCL), which can complicate the clinical picture. Orthopedic reconstructive procedures may be necessary to repair the damaged structures, restore function, and ensure proper alignment of the bones. The management of an open bite typically involves thorough wound care, imaging studies to assess for fractures, and possibly surgical intervention depending on the severity of the injury. Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in recovery, focusing on restoring mobility and strength to the affected leg.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential associated injuries (fractures, ligament tears)
  • Need for detailed documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Potential for surgical intervention and reconstructive procedures
  • Variability in treatment protocols based on injury severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to specify associated injuries (fractures, ligament tears)
  • Lack of clarity in surgical procedure documentation
  • Misclassification of the type of bite (open vs. closed)

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the injury, imaging results, and treatment plans are essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures associated with open bites, ligament injuries, and post-operative care.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of any surgical procedures performed, including reconstructive surgeries.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of the initial assessment, mechanism of injury, and immediate treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with trauma to the lower leg, requiring stabilization and possible referral to orthopedics.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of the initial encounter is crucial for proper reimbursement and follow-up care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S81.851 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury type, location, and any associated conditions
  • Include details on the mechanism of injury and treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S81.851 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27814CPT Code

Open treatment of tibial fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for an open bite with tibial involvement.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic documentation must be precise to support the surgical coding.

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 diagnoses and treatment plans. S81.851 provides a clear distinction for open bites, facilitating better patient management and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. S81.851 provides a clear distinction for open bites, facilitating better patient management and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 break in the skin with exposure of underlying tissues, while a closed fracture does not break the skin.