Laceration without foreign body of unspecified front wall of thorax with penetration into thoracic cavity
ICD-10 S21.319 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of unspecified front wall of thorax with penetration into thoracic cavity.
S21.319 describes a laceration of the front wall of the thorax that does not involve a foreign body and penetrates into the thoracic cavity. This type of injury is often the result of blunt or penetrating trauma, such as from a knife or a gunshot wound. The thoracic cavity houses vital organs, including the heart and lungs, making such injuries potentially life-threatening. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of shock. Complications can include pneumothorax (air in the pleural space), hemothorax (blood in the pleural space), rib fractures, and cardiac injuries. Immediate assessment and intervention are crucial, often requiring imaging studies like chest X-rays or CT scans to evaluate the extent of the injury. Surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the laceration and address any associated injuries to the thoracic organs. Accurate coding of this condition is essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement.
Detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, vital signs, and initial assessment findings.
Patients presenting with stab wounds or gunshot wounds to the chest.
Timely documentation is critical due to the acute nature of injuries.
Operative reports detailing the surgical intervention and findings.
Patients requiring surgical repair of thoracic lacerations or associated organ injuries.
Documentation must clearly outline the extent of the injury and any repairs performed.
Used when surgical intervention is required for penetrating thoracic injuries.
Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.
Thoracic surgeons must document the extent of the injury and any repairs performed.
Specifying 'without foreign body' is crucial as it differentiates the type of injury and impacts the treatment approach and coding accuracy.
