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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.031

S61.031

Billable

Puncture wound without foreign body of right thumb without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.031 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body of right thumb without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound of the right thumb is a type of injury characterized by a small, deep wound caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin. This specific code, S61.031, indicates that the wound does not contain a foreign body and that there is no damage to the nail. Such injuries can occur in various settings, including occupational accidents, household injuries, or recreational activities. Clinically, puncture wounds can lead to complications such as infection, which may require careful monitoring and treatment. The absence of foreign bodies simplifies the management of the wound, as there is no need for surgical intervention to remove debris. However, the risk of tendon injuries, nerve damage, or fractures in the vicinity of the wound must be assessed, especially if the puncture is deep or if there are signs of significant trauma. Proper wound care, including cleaning and possibly suturing, is essential to promote healing and prevent complications. Documentation should include the mechanism of injury, the depth of the wound, and any associated injuries to ensure accurate coding and appropriate treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between puncture wounds and lacerations
  • Assessing for associated injuries such as tendon or nerve damage
  • Documenting the absence of foreign bodies accurately
  • Understanding the implications of the injury on hand function

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to note associated injuries or complications
  • Misclassification of the wound type (puncture vs. laceration)
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for wound healing

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the injury, mechanism of injury, and any immediate treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from various sources, such as nails, needles, or animal bites.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of tetanus prophylaxis and the need for imaging if deeper structures may be involved.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Assessment of any potential tendon or nerve involvement, and detailed surgical notes if intervention is required.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with puncture wounds that may involve underlying structures, requiring surgical evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of any surgical procedures performed, including repair of tendons or nerves if applicable.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.031 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury type, location, and any associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.031 When
  • Exclude codes for wounds with foreign bodies or damage to the nail

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds of the face, ears, eyelids, scalp, neck, axillae, genitalia, trunk, and extremities

Clinical Scenario

Used when the puncture wound requires suturing or closure.

Documentation Requirements

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

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 injuries, including puncture wounds, which helps in tracking and managing patient care more effectively.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds, which helps in tracking and managing patient care more effectively.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds, which helps in tracking and managing patient care more effectively.

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 a puncture wound and a laceration?

A puncture wound is a deep, narrow wound caused by a sharp object, while a laceration is a tear or cut in the skin that may be wider and more superficial.