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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.411

S21.411

Billable

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.411 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of right back wall of thorax with penetration into thoracic cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S21.411 refers to a specific type of chest trauma characterized by a laceration on the right back wall of the thorax that penetrates into the thoracic cavity without the presence of a foreign body. This injury can result from various mechanisms, including blunt or penetrating trauma, and may lead to significant complications such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, or cardiac injuries. The thoracic cavity houses vital organs, including the lungs and heart, making any injury in this area potentially life-threatening. Clinicians must assess for rib fractures, which can accompany such lacerations, and monitor for signs of respiratory distress or hemodynamic instability. Surgical intervention may be required to repair the laceration and address any associated injuries, such as drainage of fluid collections or stabilization of rib fractures. Accurate coding of this condition is crucial for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of anatomical terminology related to thoracic injuries.
  • Involves assessment of associated complications like pneumothorax and hemothorax.
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the absence of foreign bodies.
  • Differentiation from similar codes related to rib fractures or other thoracic injuries.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to specify the presence or absence of foreign bodies.
  • Lack of detail regarding associated injuries or complications.
  • Inconsistent coding of related procedures or interventions.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports and imaging studies must be included to support the diagnosis and any surgical interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of penetrating chest trauma, rib fractures, and associated complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the injury's extent and any surgical repairs performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of initial assessment, imaging results, and treatment provided in the emergency setting.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment and stabilization of patients with chest trauma presenting to the emergency department.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires clear documentation of the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.411 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S21
  • 411 should be used when the documentation specifies a laceration of the right back wall of the thorax with penetration into the thoracic cavity
  • It is essential to ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.411 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

32000CPT Code

Thoracentesis

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with a hemothorax requiring drainage.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure, the amount of fluid drained, and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is linked to the diagnosis of S21.411.

39000CPT Code

Thoracotomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed for surgical repair of the laceration and associated injuries.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative report required, including findings and interventions.

Specialty Considerations

Link the procedure to the specific laceration code for accurate billing.

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 claims and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation of injuries and associated complications.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

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

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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

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 significance of coding S21.411 accurately?

Accurate coding of S21.411 is crucial for appropriate treatment planning, reimbursement, and tracking of trauma-related outcomes. It ensures that healthcare providers are compensated for the complexity of care required for penetrating thoracic injuries.