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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.111

S21.111

Billable

Laceration without foreign body of right front wall of thorax without penetration into thoracic cavity

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.111 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of right front wall of thorax without penetration into thoracic cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S21.111 refers to a laceration on the right front wall of the thorax that does not involve any foreign body and does not penetrate the thoracic cavity. This type of injury is often the result of blunt or sharp trauma, such as a fall, motor vehicle accident, or an assault. Clinically, it is important to assess the extent of the laceration, as well as to rule out associated injuries such as rib fractures, pneumothorax, or hemothorax. Rib fractures can occur due to the force of the trauma, leading to potential complications like pneumothorax (air in the pleural space) or hemothorax (blood in the pleural space). Cardiac injuries may also be a concern, particularly in high-impact trauma cases. Surgical intervention may be required for extensive lacerations or if there is a risk of underlying organ damage. Proper documentation of the injury's location, depth, and any associated injuries is crucial for accurate coding and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for detailed documentation of the injury's extent and location
  • Differentiation from similar codes related to thoracic injuries
  • Assessment of associated injuries such as pneumothorax or rib fractures
  • Potential for surgical intervention and its documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury's specifics
  • Failure to document associated injuries
  • Misclassification of the injury type
  • Lack of clarity on the treatment provided

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the mechanism of injury, assessment of vital signs, and any imaging studies performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chest trauma from accidents, falls, or assaults.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented, and that the treatment plan is clearly outlined.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the surgical approach, findings, and any repairs made.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring surgical intervention for extensive lacerations or associated injuries.

Billing Considerations

Document the extent of the laceration and any complications that arise during surgery.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.111 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the laceration does not penetrate the thoracic cavity and is without foreign body
  • Document any associated injuries or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.111 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for laceration repair in the emergency department.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the laceration, as well as the repair technique used.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers should ensure that all details of the injury and repair are accurately captured.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of thoracic injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S21.111 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, which aids in clinical management and research.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of thoracic injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S21.111 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, which aids in clinical management and research.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S21.111 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, which aids in clinical management and research.

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 S21.111 and S21.112?

S21.111 is used for lacerations without foreign bodies, while S21.112 is for lacerations that involve foreign bodies. Accurate documentation is essential to determine which code to use.