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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS01.91

S01.91

Billable

Laceration without foreign body of unspecified part of head

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S01.91 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of unspecified part of head.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S01.91 refers to a laceration of the head that does not involve a foreign body and is unspecified in terms of the exact location. Lacerations can occur due to various mechanisms, including blunt trauma, sharp objects, or falls. The head is a common site for lacerations, especially in children and individuals involved in sports or accidents. Clinically, these injuries may present with bleeding, pain, and swelling. The absence of a foreign body simplifies the management, focusing primarily on wound care and potential suturing. Proper assessment is crucial to rule out underlying injuries, such as skull fractures or concussions, which may accompany head lacerations. The management typically involves cleaning the wound, assessing for the need for stitches, and providing tetanus prophylaxis if indicated. Follow-up care is essential to monitor for infection or complications. Accurate coding requires thorough documentation of the injury mechanism, treatment provided, and any associated injuries.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of injury specifics
  • Need for differentiation from other head injuries
  • Potential for associated injuries requiring additional codes
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on injury severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the location of the laceration
  • Misclassification of the injury type (e.g., coding as a contusion instead)
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for complications

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include the mechanism of injury, vital signs, and initial assessment findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases presenting with head lacerations from falls, sports injuries, or accidents.

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document any neurological assessments to rule out concussions or other head injuries.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports must detail the procedure performed, including wound closure techniques and any complications.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for lacerations requiring suturing or repair.

Billing Considerations

Document any additional procedures performed, such as debridement or exploration for foreign bodies.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S01.91 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code accurately reflects the clinical scenario and that all relevant documentation supports the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S01.91 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds of the head

Clinical Scenario

Used when suturing a laceration on the head.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the laceration and the method of closure.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency and surgical specialties should ensure accurate coding based on the complexity of the repair.

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 lacerations. S01.91 provides clarity in coding for lacerations without foreign bodies, which was less specific in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including lacerations. S01.91 provides clarity in coding for lacerations without foreign bodies, which was less specific in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including lacerations. S01.91 provides clarity in coding for lacerations without foreign bodies, which was less specific in ICD-9.

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 I document to support the use of S01.91?

Document the mechanism of injury, the location of the laceration, treatment provided, and any follow-up care to ensure accurate coding.