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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS51.812

S51.812

Billable

Laceration without foreign body of left forearm

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S51.812 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of left forearm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S51.812 refers to a laceration of the left forearm that does not involve any foreign body. This type of injury is typically characterized by a cut or tear in the skin and underlying tissues, which can vary in depth and severity. Lacerations can occur due to various mechanisms, including accidents, falls, or sharp objects. In the context of the forearm, such injuries may also be associated with other complications, such as elbow fractures or injuries to the radius and ulna. It is crucial to assess the extent of the laceration, as deeper cuts may involve muscles, tendons, or nerves, potentially leading to complications like compartment syndrome. Proper evaluation and management are essential to prevent infection and ensure optimal healing. Treatment may involve cleaning the wound, suturing, and monitoring for any signs of complications. Accurate coding of this condition requires detailed documentation of the injury's nature, location, and any associated injuries or complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for precise documentation of the laceration's depth and extent
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., fractures, compartment syndrome)
  • Differentiation from similar codes (e.g., lacerations with foreign bodies)
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on injury severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury's specifics
  • Failure to note associated injuries or complications
  • Incorrect coding of the laceration depth
  • Lack of follow-up documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the laceration, associated injuries, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Lacerations resulting from sports injuries, falls, or accidents requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should include any orthopedic fixation procedures if applicable.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment notes, including mechanism of injury and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute lacerations from accidents or trauma.

Billing Considerations

Ensure thorough documentation of the injury's mechanism and any immediate complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S51.812 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S51
  • 812 should be used when documenting lacerations without foreign bodies
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation specifies the location, depth, and any associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S51.812 When
  • Exclusions include lacerations with foreign bodies or those requiring extensive surgical intervention

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12002CPT Code

Simple repair of laceration, face, ears, eyelids, scalp; 2.5 cm or less

Clinical Scenario

Used when a simple repair is performed on a laceration of the left forearm.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the laceration, along with the repair technique used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document any additional procedures performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lacerations, improving the accuracy of medical records and billing. S51.812 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, which aids in treatment planning and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lacerations, improving the accuracy of medical records and billing. S51.812 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, which aids in treatment planning and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing. S51.812 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, which aids in treatment planning and resource allocation.

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 S51.812 and S51.813?

S51.812 is used for lacerations without foreign bodies, while S51.813 is for lacerations that involve foreign materials. Accurate documentation is crucial to determine the correct code.