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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.248

S61.248

Billable

Puncture wound with foreign body of other finger without damage to nail

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/24/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.248 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body of other finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound with a foreign body in the finger is a common injury that occurs when a sharp object penetrates the skin, potentially introducing foreign materials into the tissue. This type of injury can lead to complications such as infection, inflammation, and damage to underlying structures, including tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. In cases where the nail is not damaged, the focus is primarily on the soft tissue injury and the presence of the foreign body. Clinical evaluation often includes assessing for signs of infection, the extent of tissue damage, and the need for surgical intervention to remove the foreign body. Treatment may involve cleaning the wound, administering antibiotics, and possibly performing surgery to repair any damaged structures or to remove the foreign object. Proper documentation is essential to capture the specifics of the injury, including the mechanism of injury, the type of foreign body, and any associated injuries to tendons or nerves.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of foreign bodies (metal, wood, glass, etc.)
  • Assessing potential damage to underlying structures (tendons, nerves)
  • Documenting the absence of nail damage accurately
  • Determining the need for surgical intervention

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type
  • Failure to document associated injuries (tendons, nerves)
  • Lack of clarity on the mechanism of injury
  • Improper coding of complications such as infections

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the injury mechanism, foreign body type, and any immediate treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from nails, glass, or other sharp objects.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant details about the injury and treatment are documented to support the coding.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive notes on any surgical procedures performed, including repair of tendons or nerves.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for foreign body removal and repair of associated injuries.

Billing Considerations

Document the extent of damage to underlying structures and the surgical approach taken.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.248 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury type, location, and any associated complications
  • Include details about the foreign body and any surgical procedures performed

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.248 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

10120CPT Code

Incision and drainage of abscess, simple or single

Clinical Scenario

Used when an abscess develops from the puncture wound.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the abscess, as well as the procedure performed.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document the extent of any tendon or nerve involvement.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including the ability to differentiate between types of puncture wounds and the presence of foreign bodies, improving the accuracy of medical records and billing.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including the ability to differentiate between types of puncture wounds and the presence of foreign bodies, improving the accuracy of medical records and billing.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be documented for a puncture wound with a foreign body?

Document the mechanism of injury, type of foreign body, location of the wound, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided.