Open wound of vulva, complicated

This code signifies an open injury to the external female genitalia (vulva) that involves additional complexities beyond a simple laceration or abrasion. These complications might include delayed healing, infection, foreign body presence, or significant tissue loss. It indicates a more severe or problematic wound requiring specific medical attention.

This code is appropriate when documentation specifies an open wound of the vulva with an explicit mention of a complication, such as "infected vulvar laceration," "dehiscence of vulvar wound," or "vulvar wound with foreign body." It should be used for traumatic injuries, not surgical incisions unless a surgical wound has subsequently become complicated.

• Ensure documentation clearly states both "open wound of vulva" and the specific "complication."
• Do not use for simple, uncomplicated open wounds of the vulva; those would typically fall under 878.0-878.4.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when the complicated wound is the reason for the encounter, followed by codes for the specific complication (e.g., infection).