S51.85
Non-Billable

Open bite of forearm

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Open bite of forearm?

ICD-10-CM S51.85 is the diagnosis code for Open bite of forearm. This code falls under the section "Injuries to the elbow and forearm" within Chapter 19 — Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

💡 Inclusions
⛔ Excludes1

Coding Guidelines for S51.85

✅ This Code Includes

  • Bite of forearm NOS

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as S51.85. They are mutually exclusive:

  • superficial bite of forearm (S50.86, S50.87)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where S51.85 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 3 entries
S51.851Open bite of right forearmBillableS51.852Open bite of left forearmBillableS51.859Open bite of unspecified forearmBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is S51.85 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, S51.85 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does S51.85 mean?

S51.85 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Open bite of forearm". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of S51.85?

The parent code of S51.85 is S51.8 ("Open wound of forearm"). S51.85 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is S51.85 in?

S51.85 is located in Section S50-S59 — "Injuries to the elbow and forearm" within Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of S51.85?

S51.85 has 3 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: S51.851, S51.852, S51.859.

When should I use S51.85?

Use S51.85 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Open bite of forearm" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Open bite of forearm?

The ICD-10-CM code for Open bite of forearm is S51.85.

Can S51.85 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, S51.85 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is S51.85 in?

S51.85 is in Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from S51.85?

Type 1 Excludes for S51.85 include: superficial bite of forearm (S50.86, S50.87).

Is S51.85 valid for 2026?

Yes, S51.85 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousS51.849Puncture wound with foreign body of unspecified forearmNext →S51.851Open bite of right forearm
Code Details
S51.85
Open bite of forearm
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
19 — Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
S50-S59 — Injuries to the elbow and forearm
2026 ICD-10-CM