ICD-10 Coding for Cat Bite(S61.451A, L03.115, W55.01XA)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cat Bite. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Cat Bite
S61-S69Primary Range
Injuries to the wrist, hand, and fingers
Primary range for coding injuries resulting from cat bites, focusing on specific injury sites.
Contact with nonvenomous mammals
Used for coding the external cause of the injury, specifically for bites by cats.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| S61.451A | Open bite of right hand, initial encounter | Use when documenting an open bite on the right hand from a cat, during the initial encounter. |
|
| L03.115 | Cellulitis of right hand | Use when cellulitis is present as a complication of a cat bite. |
|
| W55.01XA | Bitten by cat, initial encounter | Use as an external cause code for initial encounters involving cat bites. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for cat bite
Essential facts and insights about Cat Bite
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cat bite
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of an open wound on the right hand due to a cat bite.
documentation Criteria
- Document laterality and encounter type.
Applicable To
- Open bite of right hand
Excludes
- Infection without mention of open wound
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Physical examination showing open wound
- Patient history of cat bite
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrect laterality documentation
- Omitting encounter type
Coding Notes
- Ensure laterality and encounter type are documented accurately.
L03.115 - Cellulitis of right hand
Use when cellulitis is present as a complication of a cat bite.
Applicable To
- Cellulitis of right hand
Excludes
- Abscess of hand
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Erythema, swelling, and warmth of the hand
- Positive bacterial culture
Coding Notes
Ensure infection is documented as a complication of the bite.
W55.01XA - Bitten by cat, initial encounter
Use as an external cause code for initial encounters involving cat bites.
Applicable To
- Initial encounter for cat bite
Excludes
- Subsequent encounters
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Patient history indicating a cat bite
Coding Notes
Never use as a primary code.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Bitten by cat, initial encounter
W55.01XADocumentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cat Bite to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S61.451A.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate tracking of patient visits., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Train staff on importance of encounter type documentation., Use templates that prompt for encounter type.
Impact
Reimbursement: Claims will be denied if W55.01XA is primary., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 sequencing rules., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on injury causes.
Mitigation Strategy
Always use an injury code as primary, such as S61.451A.
Impact
Reimbursement: Claims may be delayed or denied., Compliance: Fails to meet documentation standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical records.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies right or left hand.
Impact
High frequency of W55.01XA without primary injury codes.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure injury codes are primary and external cause codes are secondary.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Cat Bite, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Cat Bite
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cat Bite. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Initial encounter for cat bite with infection
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Chief complaint
- History of present illness
- Physical examination
- Assessment and plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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