AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 1984 November - December
Degloving Injury
Degloving injury is coded to open wound of the specified site. The most common sites are in the upper extremity (codes 880-884) and in the lower extremity (codes 890-894). A degloving injury is a peeling away of the skin and subcutaneous tissue from the fascia. An example may be a mangling of the skin as might occur when a car runs over a limb or when a limb is caught in a piece of farm machinery. The tearing may be complete or incomplete. In the complete type, the skin and tissue are completely torn off or hanging by only...
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Article Overview
This article provides a coding-focused overview of degloving injury, including the general injury concept, common anatomic sites, and the clinical issues that affect classification. It is intended for coders and other healthcare professionals who need a broad understanding of how these injuries are discussed in medical coding references. The article also touches on evaluation of tissue viability and related wound-management considerations, while referencing the broader injury code groupings most commonly associated with these cases.
Why This Topic Matters
Degloving injuries can be documented and coded differently depending on location and extent, so a clear understanding of the topic helps users interpret records and locate the appropriate injury category.
What You Will Learn
- How degloving injury is described in coding references
- Which general anatomic regions are commonly associated with these injuries
- What clinical factors are discussed in relation to tissue viability and wound management
- How the topic is framed within broader open wound injury categories
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation specialists
- Healthcare providers
- Coding students
Code Ranges Discussed
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