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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.022

S21.022

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of left breast

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/23/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.022 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of left breast.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S21.022 refers to a laceration of the left breast that is complicated by the presence of a foreign body. This condition typically arises from traumatic incidents such as accidents, falls, or assaults where sharp objects penetrate the breast tissue. The laceration may vary in severity, ranging from superficial cuts to deep wounds that could involve underlying structures such as muscle or even the chest wall. The presence of a foreign body, such as glass, metal, or other debris, complicates the injury, necessitating careful evaluation and management to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Clinicians must assess for potential complications, including pneumothorax or hemothorax, particularly if the injury is associated with rib fractures or other thoracic trauma. Surgical intervention may be required to remove the foreign body and repair the laceration, which can involve various specialties, including general surgery and trauma surgery. Accurate coding of this condition is crucial for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of a foreign body complicates the injury.
  • Potential for associated injuries such as pneumothorax or hemothorax.
  • Variability in the severity of laceration and required interventions.
  • Documentation must specify the nature of the foreign body.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type.
  • Failure to document associated injuries.
  • Misclassification of the laceration severity.
  • Lack of clarity in the treatment plan.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes describing the laceration, foreign body removal, and any repairs performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for traumatic lacerations with foreign bodies.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the complexity of the injury and any associated procedures.

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive trauma assessment including imaging results and management plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of traumatic chest injuries with potential for rib fractures or thoracic complications.

Billing Considerations

Document all findings related to the chest wall and any interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.022 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the laceration is documented with specificity regarding the foreign body
  • Include any associated injuries or complications in the coding process

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.022 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for repair of the laceration after foreign body removal.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the repair process.

Specialty Considerations

General surgery documentation standards apply.

10120CPT Code

Incision and removal of foreign body

Clinical Scenario

When a foreign body is surgically removed from the breast.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the foreign body type and removal technique.

Specialty Considerations

Trauma surgery documentation standards apply.

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 those with foreign bodies, improving the accuracy of clinical data and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies, improving the accuracy of clinical data and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 laceration with a foreign body?

Document the type of foreign body, the extent of the laceration, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided, including any surgical interventions.