S51: Open wound of elbow and forearm
S51 is a non-billable header ICD-10-CM code for open wound of elbow and forearm. It cannot be billed on its own: choose one of the more specific child codes below. This code also requires a 7th character before it is complete.
This code requires a 7th character
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S51
- A
- initial encounter
- D
- subsequent encounter
- S
- sequela
Excludes1: never code together
These conditions cannot occur together. Billing both on the same encounter is a denial.
Excludes2: not included here, but may coexist
The excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient can have both. You may code both.
- open wound of wrist and hand (S61.-)
Code also
Both codes may be needed to describe the encounter fully. Sequencing depends on the reason for the visit.
- any associated wound infection
Other codes that can never be billed with S51
Their own Excludes1 notes name this code, so the conflict is not listed above.
Risk adjustment
No CMS-HCC V28 category: this code does not change a RAF score.
Code history
Unchanged in every release from FY2024 to FY2027.
Code to one of these instead S51
2 child codes. Green means billable.