Dog Bite ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 codes are used for a dog bite?

ICD-10 codes for dog bites are typically categorized under injury codes that specify the type and location of the wound. The main codes are:

• W54.0XXA: Bitten by dog, initial encounter: This code is applied when documenting a patient's initial encounter after being bitten by a dog. It signifies the first consultation or treatment the patient receives following the incident, providing a clear starting point in the patient's medical record for this particular event.
• W54.0XXD:Bitten by dog, subsequent encounter: This code is reserved for subsequent encounters following a dog bite incident. It indicates that the patient has previously received treatment for a dog bite and is returning for follow-up care. This could include anything from further wound treatment to addressing complications.
• W54.0XXS: Bitten by dog, sequela: This special code signifies the presence of sequela, conditions, or complications directly attributable to the dog bite. Sequela could include physical complications, such as infection or scarring, or psychological impacts, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

These are further specified using codes for open wounds by anatomical location using the appropriate seventh character (A, D, or S) based on encounter type:

• A = Initial encounter
• D = Subsequent encounter
• S = Sequela

S codes for dog bite open wound locations

Here are some sample S codes that can be used in combination with the main dog bite ICD codes:

• S41.051A: Open bite of right shoulder, initial encounter
• S41.051D: Open bite of right shoulder, subsequent encounter
• S41.051S: Open bite of right shoulder, sequela
• S51.851A: Open bite of right forearm, initial encounter
• S51.851D: Open bite of right forearm, subsequent encounter
• S51.851S: Open bite of right forearm, sequela
• S61.451A: Open bite of right hand, initial encounter
• S61.451D: Open bite of right hand, subsequent encounter
• S61.451S: Open bite of right hand, sequela
• S61.251A: Open bite of left index finger without damage to nail, initial encounter
• S61.251D: Open bite of left index finger without damage to nail, subsequent encounter
• S61.251S: Open bite of left index finger without damage to nail, sequela
• S71.051A: Open bite, right hip, initial encounter
• S71.051D: Open bite, right hip, subsequent encounter
• S71.051S: Open bite, right hip, sequela
• S71.151A: Open bite, right thigh, initial encounter
• S71.151D: Open bite, right thigh, subsequent encounter
• S71.151S: Open bite, right thigh, sequela

Which dog bite ICD-10 codes are billable?

Dog bite ICD-10 codes are billable when fully specified with all required characters, including a 7th character for the encounter type (A, D, or S). Codes like W54.0XXA (bitten by dog, initial encounter) and S61.451A (open bite of right hand, initial encounter) are billable. Incomplete or unspecified codes, such as W54 or S61.45, are not billable. For claims, both a detailed injury code and the matching external cause code must be used.

Clinical information

• A dog bite is a common type of injury that can range from minor skin abrasions to severe tissue damage, depending on the force of the bite, the location, and the size of the dog. Dog bites are classified as penetrating trauma and often result in open wounds that may involve skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and in some cases, bone.
• These wounds are particularly prone to infection due to the bacteria present in a dog’s mouth, such as Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, and Capnocytophaga. As a result, even seemingly minor bites should be evaluated by healthcare providers to determine the need for antibiotics or further wound care.
• Clinically, dog bite wounds are documented by anatomical location, depth, and severity, and are often coded using ICD-10-CM injury codes paired with the external cause code W54.0XX* (bitten by dog). Injuries may occur to the hand, face, leg, foot, or neck, and children are especially vulnerable to bites on the head and face due to their height.
• Depending on the site and depth of injury, complications such as cellulitis, abscess formation, tendon or nerve damage, and in rare cases, rabies exposure must be considered.
• Immediate management includes thorough wound cleaning, assessment for tetanus and rabies prophylaxis, and, in many cases, prophylactic antibiotics. Severe wounds may require surgical intervention such as debridement or primary closure.
• Clinical follow-up is important to monitor for infection and ensure proper healing. Timely and accurate diagnosis, using both descriptive clinical documentation and proper coding, is essential for appropriate treatment and billing.

Synonyms include

• Canine bite
• Injury from dog bite
• Dog attack injury
• Animal bite - dog
• Mauled by a dog

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