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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.0

S61.0

Billable

Open wound of thumb without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open wound of thumb without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open wound of the thumb without damage to the nail typically results from trauma, such as cuts, lacerations, or punctures. This type of injury can occur in various settings, including workplaces, homes, or during recreational activities. The wound may involve the skin and underlying tissues but does not extend to the nail bed, which is crucial for determining the appropriate coding. Clinically, these wounds can vary in severity, from superficial abrasions to deeper lacerations that may affect tendons, nerves, or blood vessels. Proper assessment is essential to evaluate the extent of the injury and to determine if surgical intervention is necessary. Treatment often involves cleaning the wound, suturing if required, and monitoring for signs of infection. In cases where tendons or nerves are involved, further surgical procedures may be indicated to restore function. Accurate documentation of the injury's nature, location, and any associated complications is vital for coding and billing purposes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in injury severity and treatment
  • Potential for associated tendon or nerve injuries
  • Need for detailed documentation of wound characteristics
  • Differentiation from similar codes for finger injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the wound's depth and extent
  • Failure to note associated injuries (e.g., tendon or nerve damage)
  • Incorrect coding due to confusion with similar codes
  • Lack of clarity on treatment provided

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, including the extent of the wound, any repairs performed, and post-operative care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of lacerated tendons or nerves in the thumb.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all surgical interventions are documented, including any complications.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment notes, including mechanism of injury, wound characteristics, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and treatment of an open thumb wound in the emergency department.

Billing Considerations

Document the time of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.0 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury's specifics
  • Include details about the mechanism of injury and any associated complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.0 When
  • Exclude codes for injuries involving the nail or deeper structures unless specified

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for suturing a clean laceration on the thumb.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the wound and the method of repair.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should note any additional procedures performed.

26300CPT Code

Tendon repair

Clinical Scenario

Used when a tendon injury is identified during the treatment of the open wound.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes are required.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure to document the specific tendon repaired.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, improving the accuracy of claims and facilitating better patient care. S61.0 provides a clear distinction for open wounds of the thumb without nail involvement, 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 injuries, improving the accuracy of claims and facilitating better patient care. S61.0 provides a clear distinction for open wounds of the thumb without nail involvement, which aids in treatment planning and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, improving the accuracy of claims and facilitating better patient care. S61.0 provides a clear distinction for open wounds of the thumb without nail involvement, 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 S61.0 and S61.1?

S61.0 refers specifically to an open wound of the thumb without damage to the nail, while S61.1 pertains to open wounds of the index finger, which may involve different anatomical considerations and treatment approaches.