Is ICD-10-CM code S51 billable?

No, S51 (Open wound of elbow and forearm) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code S51 belong to?

S51 belongs to Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: S00–T88 (Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes).

S51Not billable, use a more specific code below

Open wound of elbow and forearm

In Injuries to the elbow and forearm (S50-S59), chapter 19: Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes

108 billable codes under S51: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

open fracture of elbow and forearm (S52.- with open fracture 7th character)
traumatic amputation of elbow and forearm (S58.-)

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

open wound of wrist and hand (S61.-)

Code also: add a code for this too, order depends on the encounter

any associated wound infection

Also applies, from Injuries to the elbow and forearm (S50-S59)

These notes sit on S50-S59 and apply to every code under it, including S51.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

burns and corrosions (T20-T32)
frostbite (T33-T34)
injuries of wrist and hand (S60-S69)
insect bite or sting, venomous (T63.4)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers 7th character use and coding of injuries, fractures, burns, drug and toxic effects, abuse and neglect, and complications of care (S00-T88).

Application of 7th Characters in Chapter 19 (page 77)
Coding of Injuries (page 78)
Coding of Traumatic Fractures (page 79)
Coding of Burns and Corrosions (page 80)
Adverse Effects, Poisoning, Underdosing and Toxic Effects (page 82)
Adult and child abuse, neglect and other maltreatment (page 85)
Complications of care (page 85)

Read Section I.C.19 (page 77)

All codes under S51

S51 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

S51 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under S51 group to these 9 MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 604 Trauma to the Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast with MCC (60 of 108 codes)
DRG 605 Trauma to the Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast without MCC (60 of 108 codes)
DRG 949 Aftercare with CC/MCC (36 of 108 codes)
DRG 950 Aftercare without CC/MCC (36 of 108 codes)
DRG 963 Other Multiple Significant Trauma with MCC (36 of 108 codes)
DRG 964 Other Multiple Significant Trauma with CC (36 of 108 codes)
DRG 965 Other Multiple Significant Trauma without CC/MCC (36 of 108 codes)
DRG 913 Traumatic Injury with MCC (12 of 108 codes)
DRG 914 Traumatic Injury without MCC (12 of 108 codes)

Other codes that refer to S51

Notes on these codes point to S51.

S54 Code Also: any associated open wound (S51.-)
S55 Code Also: any associated open wound (S51.-)
S56 Code Also: any associated open wound (S51.-)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Wounds and Injuries

An injury is damage to your body. It is a general term that refers to harm caused by accidents, falls, hits, weapons, and more. In the U.S., millions of people injure themselves every year. These injuries range from minor to life-threatening. Injuries can happen at work or play, indoors or outdoors, driving a car, or walking across the street.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.