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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS51.819

S51.819

Billable

Laceration without foreign body of unspecified forearm

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S51.819 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of unspecified forearm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S51.819 refers to a laceration of the forearm that does not involve a foreign body and is classified as unspecified. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including trauma from sharp objects, falls, or accidents. The forearm consists of two long bones, the radius and ulna, which can be affected in conjunction with lacerations. While the laceration itself may not penetrate deeply enough to cause fractures, it can still lead to complications such as compartment syndrome, where swelling increases pressure within the muscle compartments, potentially compromising blood flow and nerve function. In cases where the laceration is severe, orthopedic fixation procedures may be necessary to stabilize any underlying fractures or to repair damaged soft tissue. Proper assessment and documentation of the injury's extent, associated symptoms, and any required interventions are crucial for accurate coding and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of laceration depth and extent
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., fractures, compartment syndrome)
  • Need for precise anatomical location specification
  • Differentiation from similar codes for lacerations with foreign bodies

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury's severity
  • Failure to document associated injuries (e.g., fractures)
  • Misclassification of the laceration type
  • Lack of clarity on treatment provided

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the laceration, any associated fractures, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with lacerations from accidents, sports injuries, or falls requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly differentiate between lacerations and fractures, especially in cases of compartment syndrome.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment notes, including mechanism of injury, laceration characteristics, and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute lacerations presenting to the emergency department for evaluation and treatment.

Billing Considerations

Timely documentation is critical for coding accuracy and to support any subsequent surgical procedures.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S51.819 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S51
  • 819 should be used when a laceration is documented without a foreign body
  • Coders must ensure that the laceration is not classified under other specific codes that indicate more severe injuries or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S51.819 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for lacerations requiring suturing without complications.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and depth of the laceration, as well as the method of repair.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists may need to document any associated fractures or complications.

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 ability to capture the complexity of injuries and their treatment. S51.819 provides a clear designation for lacerations without foreign bodies, aiding in accurate billing and treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lacerations, improving the ability to capture the complexity of injuries and their treatment. S51.819 provides a clear designation for lacerations without foreign bodies, aiding in accurate billing and treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing and treatment planning.

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 to support the use of S51.819?

Document the mechanism of injury, the depth and extent of the laceration, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided. Ensure clarity in the absence of foreign bodies.