ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for forearm bite
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Bite (s) (animal) (human) › forearm”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding forearm bite
The ICD-10-CM code for forearm bite is S51.85 (Open bite of forearm). The official index lists 2 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on S51.85.
Within S51.8 (open wound of forearm), S51.85 is specifically for open bite of forearm. Related codes cover unspecified open wound of forearm (S51.80), laceration without foreign body of forearm (S51.81), laceration with foreign body of forearm (S51.82), puncture wound without foreign body of forearm (S51.83) and puncture wound with foreign body of forearm (S51.84).
Codes in this range require a 7th character: A for initial encounter, D for subsequent encounter and S for sequela. Use placeholder "X" characters to fill any empty positions before the 7th character.
Don't report S51.85 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: superficial bite of forearm (S50.86, S50.87).
More specific forearm bite codes (official index)
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for S51.85)
Common questions about forearm bite ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for forearm bite?
- S51.85 — Open bite of forearm (a header code; report a more specific subcode). More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: S50.87, S50.86.
What is the ICD-10 code for superficial nec forearm bite?
- S50.87 — Other superficial bite of forearm (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
Is S51.85 billable?
- No. S51.85 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.