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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS41.122

S41.122

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of left upper arm

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/24/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S41.122 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of left upper arm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S41.122 refers to a laceration of the left upper arm that is complicated by the presence of a foreign body. This condition typically arises from traumatic incidents such as accidents or injuries where sharp objects penetrate the skin and underlying tissues. The laceration may involve not only the skin but also deeper structures, including muscles, tendons, and possibly nerves or blood vessels. The presence of a foreign body can complicate the healing process, leading to potential infections, delayed wound healing, or further surgical interventions. Clinicians must assess the extent of the laceration, the type of foreign body involved, and any associated injuries, such as fractures or dislocations of the shoulder or humerus. Proper management often requires surgical intervention to remove the foreign body, repair the laceration, and address any additional injuries to ensure optimal recovery and function of the upper extremity.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates coding and treatment.
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., fractures, dislocations).
  • Variability in documentation quality among providers.
  • Need for precise anatomical localization in coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type and location.
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications.
  • Misclassification of the laceration severity.
  • Inconsistent coding practices among different providers.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes describing the laceration, foreign body removal, and any repairs performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Traumatic injuries from falls, sports injuries, or accidents involving sharp objects.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the extent of the injury and any associated procedures to support coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment notes including mechanism of injury, initial treatment, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute trauma to the upper arm with visible lacerations and foreign bodies.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of the patient's condition upon arrival and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S41.122 When
  • According to ICD
  • CM guidelines, S41
  • 122 should be used when a laceration of the left upper arm is specifically documented as having a foreign body
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S41.122 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12002CPT Code

Simple repair of laceration, face, ears, eyelids, neck, axilla, genitalia, trunk, hands, and feet

Clinical Scenario

Used for simple laceration repairs without foreign bodies.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the laceration.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may also perform complex repairs requiring additional coding.

10120CPT Code

Incision and removal of foreign body, subcutaneous tissue

Clinical Scenario

Used when a foreign body is removed from the laceration.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative report describing the foreign body and removal process.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the foreign body type is clearly documented.

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 the distinction between lacerations with and without foreign bodies. This specificity improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track and analyze injury patterns.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including the distinction between lacerations with and without foreign bodies. This specificity improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track and analyze injury patterns.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including the distinction between lacerations with and without foreign bodies. This specificity improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track and analyze injury patterns.

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 S41.121 and S41.122?

S41.121 is used for lacerations of the left upper arm without a foreign body, while S41.122 is specifically for lacerations that involve a foreign body, which complicates the injury and treatment.