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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS01.33

S01.33

Billable

Puncture wound without foreign body of ear

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S01.33 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body of ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound of the ear is a type of injury characterized by a sharp object penetrating the skin and underlying tissues of the ear, without the presence of a foreign body. This injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including accidental trauma from sharp objects, animal bites, or intentional harm. Clinically, patients may present with localized pain, swelling, and bleeding at the site of injury. The ear's complex anatomy, including cartilage and sensitive structures, necessitates careful evaluation to rule out deeper tissue damage or associated injuries. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough history and physical examination, focusing on the mechanism of injury and assessing for signs of infection or complications. Management may include cleaning the wound, suturing if necessary, and providing tetanus prophylaxis. Complications can include infection, scarring, or damage to the ear's cartilage or structures, which may affect hearing or appearance. Accurate coding requires detailed documentation of the injury's mechanism, treatment provided, and any complications encountered.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for precise documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Differentiation from other types of ear injuries
  • Potential for associated complications requiring additional coding
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on injury severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to note associated injuries or complications
  • Misuse of codes for similar injuries (e.g., lacerations)
  • Inconsistent coding practices across providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include a detailed account of the injury mechanism, initial assessment findings, and any immediate interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from falls, animal bites, or sharp objects.

Billing Considerations

Consideration for potential underlying injuries to cartilage or structures of the ear that may not be immediately apparent.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports must detail the surgical approach, findings, and any repairs made to the ear structures.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for severe puncture wounds requiring repair or reconstruction.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should reflect the complexity of the repair and any additional procedures performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S01.33 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code accurately reflects the clinical scenario and that all relevant documentation supports the coding decision

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S01.33 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when a puncture wound requires suturing.

Documentation Requirements

Operative notes must detail the repair process and any materials used.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency and surgical specialties may have different documentation standards.

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 puncture wounds, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care tracking.

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 is the difference between a puncture wound and a laceration?

A puncture wound is caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin, while a laceration is a tear or cut in the skin that may be jagged or irregular.