In simple words: An open bite on your scalp means it was caused by an animal or a person. This code is used for your first visit to the doctor for this injury.

An open bite of the scalp refers to a bite injury by an animal or human, requiring medical attention during the initial encounter.

Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency room with an open bite wound on their scalp after being bitten by a dog. The wound is cleaned, debrided, and sutured. The patient receives a tetanus booster and a prescription for antibiotics., A child is brought to the clinic with a human bite on their scalp following an altercation on the playground. The wound is cleaned and dressed. The child’s parent is advised to monitor the wound for signs of infection., A patient arrives at the urgent care center with a cat bite on their scalp. The wound is irrigated and dressed, and the patient receives a prescription for antibiotics.

Documentation should include the cause of the bite (animal or human), the location and size of the wound, the depth and severity of the injury, the presence of foreign bodies, any treatment provided (e.g., cleaning, debridement, suturing, medications), and tetanus immunization status.

** This code applies to the initial encounter for an open bite of the scalp. Subsequent encounters should be coded with the appropriate 7th character.