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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS51.829

S51.829

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of unspecified forearm

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S51.829 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of unspecified forearm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S51.829 refers to a laceration of the forearm that is complicated by the presence of a foreign body, which may include fragments of glass, metal, or other materials. This injury can occur due to various incidents such as accidents, falls, or workplace injuries. The forearm consists of two bones, the radius and ulna, and injuries in this area can lead to complications such as infection, delayed healing, or damage to underlying structures including nerves and blood vessels. The presence of a foreign body can complicate the healing process and may require surgical intervention for removal. Proper assessment and documentation of the injury are crucial, as they guide treatment decisions and influence coding accuracy. In cases where the laceration is deep, it may also involve the need for orthopedic fixation procedures if there are associated fractures or significant soft tissue damage. The management of such injuries often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates the injury.
  • Potential for associated fractures or soft tissue injuries.
  • Variability in documentation of the injury's severity.
  • Need for precise anatomical localization.

Audit Risk Factors

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

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the nature of the laceration, foreign body type, and any associated fractures.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of lacerations with foreign bodies requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of any fixation procedures performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of the injury, including mechanism of injury and immediate treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and stabilization of patients with lacerations and foreign bodies.

Billing Considerations

Document all imaging studies and consultations for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S51.829 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S51
  • 829 should be used when a laceration with a foreign body is documented without specifying the exact location of the forearm
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code, particularly regarding the presence of a foreign body

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S51.829 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when a laceration with a foreign body is repaired.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the laceration and the foreign body removal.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may perform more complex repairs if fractures are involved.

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 those with foreign bodies. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, leading to improved patient care and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, leading to improved patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, leading to improved patient care 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 should be documented to support the use of S51.829?

Documentation should include the nature of the laceration, the type of foreign body present, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided, including any surgical interventions.