Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Question: What is the difference between an open versus a closed traumatic fracture?

California Subscriber

Answer: A closed fracture involves a bone break that has not penetrated the skin. So, if there is no evidence of a breach of the skin in the encounter notes, you likely have a closed fracture claim on your hands.

On the other hand, an open fracture occurs when the bone has punctured through the skin or there is a significant break in the skin directly over the fracture site — not an abrasion or superficial laceration.

Remember: If the medical documentation does not specify whether the traumatic fracture is open or closed, you should report it as closed, according to the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting.