Other and unspecified open wound of head, complicated

This code signifies an open wound to the head that is not otherwise specified or falls into another category, and is further complicated by infection, delayed healing, or foreign body retention. It indicates a breach in the skin and underlying tissues of the head, excluding specific anatomical sites or types of open wounds.

Use this code for open head wounds where the specific anatomical site (e.g., eyelid, ear) or type of open wound (e.g., laceration with foreign body) is not documented, but the wound is noted as complicated. Documentation should clearly state "open wound of head, complicated" or similar phrasing without further specificity.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific open wound code for the head (e.g., 870-873.8) can be identified from the documentation.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "complicated" or provides details of a complication (e.g., infection, delayed healing) to support its use.
• Always sequence this code after any external cause of injury codes (E-codes) if applicable.