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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.029

S61.029

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of unspecified thumb without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.029 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of unspecified thumb without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S61.029 refers to a laceration of the thumb that includes a foreign body but does not involve damage to the nail. This type of injury is common in various settings, including workplaces, homes, and during recreational activities. The presence of a foreign body complicates the injury, as it may require additional procedures for removal and can increase the risk of infection. Clinically, the laceration may present with pain, swelling, and bleeding, and the foreign body may be visible or require imaging to locate. Treatment typically involves thorough cleaning of the wound, removal of the foreign body, and possibly suturing the laceration. It is crucial to assess for any associated injuries, such as tendon or nerve damage, which may necessitate further intervention. Proper documentation of the injury's specifics, including the nature of the foreign body and the treatment provided, is essential for accurate coding and billing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of a foreign body complicates the injury.
  • Need for detailed documentation of the laceration and foreign body.
  • Potential for associated injuries (tendon, nerve damage).
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on injury severity.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type.
  • Failure to document associated injuries.
  • Incorrect coding of the laceration depth or complexity.
  • Lack of clarity on the treatment provided.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, foreign body characteristics, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with lacerations from accidents, including cuts from machinery or sharp objects.

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document any imaging or consultations for foreign body removal.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of potential tendon or nerve involvement, surgical notes if repair is performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for complex lacerations involving deeper structures.

Billing Considerations

Document any repairs performed and the condition of surrounding tissues.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.029 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S61
  • 029 should be used when documenting a laceration with a foreign body that does not damage the nail
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation clearly states the presence of the foreign body and any associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.029 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when the laceration is simple and requires basic suturing.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine may frequently use this code for initial treatment.

10120CPT Code

Incision and removal of foreign body

Clinical Scenario

Used when a foreign body is embedded in the laceration and requires surgical removal.

Documentation Requirements

Document the type of foreign body and the technique used for removal.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgery may be involved if deeper structures are affected.

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 aids in better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes.

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 aids in better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes.

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 laceration with a foreign body?

Document the mechanism of injury, the type and location of the foreign body, the depth of the laceration, and the treatment provided, including any imaging or surgical interventions.