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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS01.349

S01.349

Billable

Puncture wound with foreign body of unspecified ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S01.349 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body of unspecified ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound with a foreign body in the ear is a type of injury that occurs when a sharp object penetrates the skin and underlying tissues of the ear, potentially introducing foreign materials such as dirt, metal, or organic matter. This injury can occur in various settings, including accidents during play, industrial incidents, or self-inflicted injuries. The presence of a foreign body complicates the injury, as it may lead to infection, inflammation, or further tissue damage if not properly managed. Clinically, patients may present with pain, swelling, bleeding, and signs of infection such as redness or discharge. The diagnostic approach typically involves a thorough history and physical examination, possibly supplemented by imaging studies to assess the extent of the injury and the nature of the foreign body. Management may include cleaning the wound, removal of the foreign body, and appropriate wound care to prevent complications. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to ensure complete removal of the foreign body and to repair any damage to the ear structures.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of foreign body type and location
  • Need for precise coding based on the specific ear structure involved
  • Potential for multiple injuries requiring additional codes
  • Differentiation from other types of ear injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type
  • Failure to specify the ear structure involved
  • Misclassification of the injury type (e.g., laceration vs. puncture)
  • Inconsistent follow-up documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include a detailed account of the mechanism of injury, assessment findings, and treatment provided, including any imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from sharp objects, such as earrings or tools, requiring immediate care.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the foreign body is documented clearly, including size and material, as this impacts management and coding.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for deep puncture wounds with retained foreign bodies requiring exploration and repair.

Billing Considerations

Document any complications encountered during surgery, as these may affect coding and billing.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S01.349 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring specificity in documentation regarding the type of foreign body and the anatomical site of the injury

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S01.349 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69200CPT Code

Removal of foreign body from external auditory canal

Clinical Scenario

Used when a foreign body is removed from the ear canal during a procedure.

Documentation Requirements

Document the type of foreign body and the method of removal.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is linked to the diagnosis of S01.349.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding injuries, including those with foreign bodies, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding injuries, including those with foreign bodies, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding injuries, including those with foreign bodies, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care management.

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, anatomical site, treatment provided, and any complications encountered.