2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S41.159DOpen bite of unspecified upper arm, subsequent encounter
S41.159D is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for open bite of unspecified upper arm, subsequent encounter. The 7th character D marks it as a subsequent encounter code, used during routine care in the healing or recovery phase. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 949 through 950. The code is exempt from POA reporting. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Open wounds to limbs, subsequent encounter.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Present on Admission (POA)Billing
S41.159D is exempt from POA reporting on inpatient claims to general acute care hospitals. Review other POA exempt codes.
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Animal bite of axilla
- Animal bite of upper arm
- Bite in axilla
- Dog bite of axilla
- Dog bite of shoulder
- Dog bite of upper arm
- Human bite of axilla
- Human bite of shoulder
- Human bite of upper arm
- Open bite of upper arm
Coding GuidelinesGuidance
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Open wound of shoulder and upper arm (S41). Use the following options for the applicable episode of care:
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
Source: ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2026, published by CMS and the National Center for Health Statistics.
Clinical ClassificationClinical
AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.
Patient EducationClinical
Animal Bites
Wild animals usually avoid people. They might attack, however, if they feel threatened, are sick, or are protecting their young or territory. Attacks by pets are more common. Animal bites rarely are life-threatening, but if they become infected, you can develop serious medical problems.
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
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Convert S41.159D to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About S41.159DOverview
Is S41.159D (Open bite of unspecified upper arm) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report open bite of unspecified upper arm, subsequent encounter on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What does the 7th character D in S41.159D mean?
The final character D marks a subsequent encounter: use it for routine care while the open bite of unspecified upper arm is healing, after active treatment has ended.
What MS-DRG does S41.159D group to?
When open bite of unspecified upper arm, subsequent encounter is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 949, 950, with relative weights from 0.6277 to 1.1897 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
Is S41.159D exempt from POA reporting?
Yes. CMS lists this code among those exempt from present on admission reporting, so hospitals do not assign a POA indicator for open bite of unspecified upper arm, subsequent encounter on inpatient claims.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of S41.159D?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, open bite of unspecified upper arm, subsequent encounter converts to ICD-9-CM V58.89 (other specfied aftercare). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.
Footnotes
[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.
