S61.159D — Open bite of unspecified thumb with damage to nail, subsequent encounter
Is S61.159D billable?
Yes, but S61.159D is an unspecified code. S61.159D is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S61.159D is an unspecified or catch-all code. Payers apply additional scrutiny to unspecified codes and many deny them when the medical record supports a more specific option, so check the documentation before selecting S61.159D — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
S61.159D at a glance
| Code | S61.159D |
|---|---|
| Description | Open bite of unspecified thumb with damage to nail, subsequent encounter |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "D" | subsequent encounter |
What does the 7th character "D" mean in S61.159D?
In S61.159D, the 7th character D means subsequent encounter. The 7th character is required for S61.159D to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S61.159D group to?
S61.159D sits in MDC 23 and helps define the logic of 2 MS-DRGs (version 44, FY2027). Which one a stay actually groups to also depends on procedures and secondary diagnoses.
- 949Aftercare with CC/MCCmedical
- 950Aftercare without CC/MCCmedical
How is S61.159D listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S61.15, the nearest indexed parent of S61.159D. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Bite › thumb › with › damage to nail (s) (animal) (human)
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from S61
The conditions below can never be reported together with S61.159D on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from S61.15
The conditions below can never be reported together with S61.159D on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S61.159D to fully describe the condition. S61.159D is sequenced first.
- code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from Chapter 19
The conditions below are not part of S61.159D, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S61.159D and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S60-S69
The conditions below are not part of S61.159D, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S61.159D and the excluded code may both be reported.
Code also — inherited from S61
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S61.159D is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
- any associated wound infection
How long has S61.159D existed?
S61.159D has been in ICD-10-CM since at least FY2016, the earliest fiscal year on record here.
Derived from the official order files for FY2016–FY2026. FY2017 and FY2020 publish no order file, so those years are not covered.