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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.03

S21.03

Billable

Puncture wound without foreign body of breast

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.03 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body of breast.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound of the breast is characterized by a sharp object penetrating the skin and underlying tissues without the presence of a foreign body. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including trauma from sharp objects, accidental injuries, or even self-inflicted wounds. Clinically, puncture wounds can lead to complications such as infection, hematoma formation, or damage to underlying structures, including breast tissue and ducts. In the context of chest trauma, puncture wounds may also be associated with rib fractures, pneumothorax, or hemothorax, especially if the injury is severe. It is crucial for healthcare providers to assess the extent of the injury, perform imaging studies if necessary, and monitor for any signs of complications. Surgical intervention may be required in cases where there is significant damage or if the wound becomes infected. Accurate coding of this condition is essential for proper treatment documentation and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between puncture wounds and other types of breast injuries.
  • Assessing the need for additional codes related to complications.
  • Understanding the context of chest trauma and associated injuries.
  • Documenting the absence of foreign bodies accurately.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications.
  • Misclassification of the type of wound.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for treatment outcomes.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the injury mechanism, assessment of associated injuries, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from accidents, assaults, or self-harm.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of potential complications such as infection or internal injuries.

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the extent of the injury, any foreign body removal, and post-operative care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for infected puncture wounds or significant tissue damage.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of surgical findings and any additional procedures performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.03 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S21
  • 03 should be used when documenting a puncture wound of the breast without a foreign body
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.03 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 puncture wound if suturing is required.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the wound and repair performed.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine or surgical notes should clearly document the procedure.

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. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury patterns and outcomes, leading to improved patient care and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury patterns and outcomes, leading to improved patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury patterns and outcomes, leading to improved patient care and resource allocation.

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 S21.03 and S21.01?

S21.03 is used for puncture wounds without foreign bodies, while S21.01 is for those with foreign bodies present. Accurate documentation is crucial to determine which code to use.