Bitten by other nonvenomous reptiles, initial encounter

This diagnosis code indicates an injury sustained from the bite of a nonvenomous reptile, excluding snakes and lizards, during the initial phase of treatment. It signifies direct physical trauma from the animal's teeth, requiring medical attention.

Apply this code when a patient presents with a bite wound from an animal such as a turtle, alligator, or crocodile, and the encounter is for the initial evaluation and treatment of the injury. This is appropriate for emergency department visits or initial physician office visits following the bite.

• Ensure the reptile is explicitly documented as nonvenomous and not a snake or lizard.
• Confirm this is the first encounter for this specific injury; subsequent care will require a different encounter character.
• Always code an external cause code (e.g., W59.81XA) in conjunction with a code for the nature of the injury (e.g., S61.011A for an open wound of the right hand).