In simple words: This code describes an open wound in the cheek and jaw area, without specifying which side.It indicates the first time a healthcare provider is treating this injury.

Unspecified open wound of unspecified cheek and temporomandibular area, initial encounter

Example 1: A patient presents to the ER after being hit in the face with a baseball.The physician documents an open wound to the cheek and temporomandibular area, but does not specify right or left side., A patient is bitten by a dog, resulting in a laceration to the cheek area near the jaw. On initial examination, the location of the bite is noted as cheek and temporomandibular, without specification of laterality., A patient falls and cuts their face. The wound involves the cheek near the jaw joint on an unspecified side.This is the patient's first visit for this injury.

Documentation should include the location of the wound (cheek and temporomandibular area), the nature of the wound (open wound, laceration, etc.), and whether or not a foreign body is present.Laterality (right or left) should be documented when known. The cause of the injury should be documented using a code from Chapter 20 (External causes of morbidity).

** This code describes an initial encounter. For subsequent encounters or sequelae, use S01.409D or S01.409S respectively.If the laterality is known, use S01.401- or S01.402- instead. If the type of open wound is known (e.g. laceration, bite), a more specific code within S01.4- should be used.