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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for thumb bite

S61.05

Open bite of thumb without damage to nail

Header — needs a more specific code

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

About coding thumb bite

The ICD-10-CM code for thumb bite is S61.05 (Open bite of thumb without damage to nail). The official index lists 3 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on S61.05.

Within S61.0, choose S61.05 (Open bite of thumb without damage to nail) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: unspecified open wound of thumb without damage to nail (S61.00), laceration without foreign body of thumb without damage to nail (S61.01), laceration with foreign body of thumb without damage to nail (S61.02), puncture wound without foreign body of thumb without damage to nail (S61.03) and puncture wound with foreign body of thumb without damage to nail (S61.04).

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 S61.05 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: superficial bite of thumb (S60.36-, S60.37-).

More specific thumb bite codes (official index)

  • with
  • damage to nail S61.15 — Open bite of thumb with damage to nail
  • superficial NEC S60.37 — Other superficial bite of thumb
  • insect S60.36 — Insect bite (nonvenomous) of thumb

Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for S61.05)

Common questions about thumb bite ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for thumb bite?

S61.05 — Open bite of thumb without damage to nail (a header code; report a more specific subcode). More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: S61.15, S60.37, S60.36.

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

S60.37 — Other superficial bite of thumb (header code; choose a more specific subcode).

Is S61.05 billable?

No. S61.05 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.