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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS41.142

S41.142

Billable

Puncture wound with foreign body of left upper arm

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S41.142 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body of left upper arm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound with a foreign body in the left upper arm typically occurs when a sharp object penetrates the skin and underlying tissues, potentially introducing foreign material into the wound. This type of injury can result from various incidents, including accidents involving sharp tools, animal bites, or falls onto sharp objects. Clinically, such wounds may present with localized pain, swelling, and redness, and they carry a risk of infection, especially if the foreign body is not removed promptly. The presence of a foreign body complicates the healing process and may require surgical intervention to ensure complete removal and to prevent further complications. In cases where the foreign body is deeply embedded, imaging studies may be necessary to ascertain its location and extent of tissue involvement. Treatment often involves thorough cleaning of the wound, possible debridement, and careful monitoring for signs of infection. The management of puncture wounds with foreign bodies is critical to prevent long-term complications, including chronic pain or functional impairment of the arm.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for precise documentation of the foreign body type and location.
  • Potential for associated injuries requiring additional coding.
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on the foreign body characteristics.
  • Differentiation from other types of wounds (e.g., lacerations, abrasions).

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type.
  • Failure to document associated injuries.
  • Lack of clarity on the treatment provided.
  • Inconsistent coding of similar injuries.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes describing the procedure for foreign body removal, including imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from industrial accidents or sports injuries requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the complexity of the injury and any associated fractures or soft tissue damage.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute puncture wounds presenting to the ER, often requiring immediate care and potential surgical referral.

Billing Considerations

Document the patient's tetanus status and any prophylactic measures taken.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S41.142 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when a puncture wound with a foreign body is confirmed
  • existing conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S41.142 When
  • Exclude codes for other types of wounds unless they are documented as co

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

10120CPT Code

Incision and drainage, abscess

Clinical Scenario

Used when the puncture wound becomes infected and requires drainage.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should note any associated injuries.

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 puncture wounds with foreign bodies, improving the accuracy of medical records and billing.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds with foreign bodies, improving the accuracy of medical records and billing.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing.

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 should I document for a puncture wound with a foreign body?

Document the mechanism of injury, type of foreign body, location, treatment provided, and any follow-up care.