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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for leg lower bite

S81.85

Open bite of lower leg

Header — needs a more specific code

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Bite (s) (animal) (human) › leg (lower)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding leg lower bite

The ICD-10-CM code for leg lower bite is S81.85 (Open bite of lower leg). The official index lists 2 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on S81.85.

Within S81.8 (open wound of lower leg), S81.85 is specifically for open bite of lower leg. Related codes cover unspecified open wound of lower leg (S81.80), laceration without foreign body of lower leg (S81.81), laceration with foreign body of lower leg (S81.82), puncture wound without foreign body of lower leg (S81.83) and puncture wound with foreign body of lower leg (S81.84).

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 S81.85 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: superficial bite of lower leg (S80.86-, S80.87-).

More specific leg lower bite codes (official index)

  • ankle
  • foot
  • knee
  • superficial NEC S80.87 — Other superficial bite of lower leg
  • insect S80.86 — Insect bite (nonvenomous) of lower leg
  • toe
  • upper

Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for S81.85)

Common questions about leg lower bite ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for leg lower bite?

S81.85 — Open bite of lower leg (a header code; report a more specific subcode). More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: S80.87, S80.86.

What is the ICD-10 code for superficial nec leg lower bite?

S80.87 — Other superficial bite of lower leg (header code; choose a more specific subcode).

Is S81.85 billable?

No. S81.85 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.