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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.049

S61.049

Billable

Puncture wound with foreign body of unspecified thumb without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.049 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body of unspecified thumb without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound with a foreign body in the thumb is a common injury that occurs when a sharp object penetrates the skin, potentially introducing foreign materials into the wound. This type of injury can lead to complications such as infection, inflammation, and damage to underlying structures, including tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. The thumb, being a critical digit for hand function, is particularly susceptible to injuries that can impair grip strength and dexterity. In cases where the nail is not damaged, the focus is primarily on the wound itself and the presence of the foreign body. Treatment often involves careful cleaning of the wound, removal of the foreign object, and monitoring for signs of infection. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair any damage to tendons or nerves, especially if the foreign body has penetrated deeply. Proper documentation of the injury's specifics, including the nature of the foreign body and any associated injuries, is crucial for accurate coding and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of foreign body type and location
  • Need for detailed descriptions of associated injuries (e.g., tendon, nerve)
  • Potential for multiple codes if additional injuries are present
  • Differentiation from similar codes related to other types of wounds

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type
  • Failure to document associated injuries (e.g., tendon or nerve damage)
  • Misclassification of the wound type or severity
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed account of the mechanism of injury, type of foreign body, and any immediate treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from nails, glass, or other sharp objects.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant details are captured to support the diagnosis and any procedures performed.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive notes on any surgical interventions, including repair of tendons or nerves if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Cases requiring surgical exploration due to deep puncture wounds with potential tendon or nerve involvement.

Billing Considerations

Document the extent of any damage and the surgical approach taken for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.049 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code accurately reflects the clinical scenario
  • Include any additional codes for associated injuries or complications as needed

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.049 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when the wound is cleaned and closed without complications.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the wound, as well as the method of closure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to provide additional details if tendon repair is involved.

10120CPT Code

Incision and removal of foreign body

Clinical Scenario

Used when a foreign body is surgically removed from the thumb.

Documentation Requirements

Document the type of foreign body and the surgical approach used.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is clearly linked to the diagnosis.

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 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 puncture wounds 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 puncture wounds 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 for a puncture wound with a foreign body?

Document the mechanism of injury, type of foreign body, location of the wound, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided.

Can this code be used for injuries with nail damage?

No, S61.049 specifically excludes injuries with nail damage. Use the appropriate code for such cases.