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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.04

S21.04

Billable

Puncture wound with foreign body of breast

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.04 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body of breast.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound with a foreign body of the breast typically occurs due to penetrating trauma, which can be caused by various objects such as needles, glass, or metal fragments. This type of injury can lead to complications such as infection, hematoma formation, or damage to underlying structures, including breast tissue and adjacent organs. In cases where the foreign body is not removed, there is a risk of chronic pain and potential for further complications. The management of such injuries often involves thorough assessment, imaging studies to locate the foreign body, and surgical intervention if necessary. Surgical procedures may include exploration and removal of the foreign body, drainage of any abscesses, and repair of any damaged tissue. The presence of a foreign body complicates the healing process and may require additional follow-up care to monitor for infection or other complications. Accurate coding of this condition is crucial for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for precise documentation of the type and location of the foreign body.
  • Differentiation between open and closed wounds.
  • Potential for associated injuries requiring additional codes.
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on the foreign body's nature.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type and location.
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications.
  • Incorrect coding of the procedure performed for foreign body removal.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation to support ongoing treatment.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes describing the procedure, findings, and any complications.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical removal of foreign bodies from the breast, management of infections, and repair of lacerations.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all surgical interventions are documented, including imaging studies and consultations.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of the initial assessment, imaging results, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment and stabilization of patients with puncture wounds, including foreign body retrieval.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.04 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S21
  • 04 should be used when a puncture wound with a foreign body is documented
  • It is essential to include any associated injuries or complications in the coding process
  • The code should not be used for wounds that do not involve a foreign body

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.04 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

10120CPT Code

Incision and drainage of abscess

Clinical Scenario

Used when an abscess forms due to the puncture wound.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size, location, and nature of the abscess.

Specialty Considerations

General surgery may require additional documentation for surgical interventions.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of puncture wounds, improving the accuracy of claims and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of puncture wounds, improving the accuracy of claims and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of puncture wounds, improving the accuracy of claims and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation.

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 importance of documenting the foreign body in a puncture wound?

Documenting the foreign body is crucial for accurate coding, treatment planning, and reimbursement. It helps to identify potential complications and guides the management of the injury.