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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.203

S61.203

Billable

Unspecified open wound of left middle finger without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.203 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of left middle finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the left middle finger refers to a traumatic injury that results in a break in the skin, exposing underlying tissues without affecting the nail. Such wounds can occur due to various incidents, including cuts, lacerations, or punctures. The left middle finger is particularly susceptible to injuries due to its frequent use in grasping and manipulating objects. Clinically, these wounds may present with bleeding, swelling, and pain, and they require careful assessment to rule out associated injuries such as fractures, tendon damage, or nerve involvement. Treatment typically involves cleaning the wound, possibly suturing, and monitoring for signs of infection. The absence of nail damage simplifies the clinical picture, but thorough documentation is essential to capture any potential complications or associated injuries that may arise from the trauma.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in wound severity and treatment options
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., fractures, tendon injuries)
  • Need for precise documentation to differentiate from similar codes
  • Variability in clinical presentation and management

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications
  • Misclassification of the wound type or location
  • Inconsistent coding of follow-up visits or treatments

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, assessment of associated injuries, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures associated with open wounds, tendon repairs, and surgical interventions.

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document any surgical procedures performed, including the type of repair and materials used.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of the wound, including size, depth, and any foreign bodies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute presentations of hand injuries, management of lacerations, and initial wound care.

Billing Considerations

Document the initial treatment provided and any referrals made for follow-up care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.203 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for open wounds, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury's specifics, treatment provided, and any associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.203 When
  • Exclude codes for closed wounds or those with nail damage

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when the wound requires suturing or closure.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may perform more complex repairs if associated injuries are present.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hand injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S61.203 provides a clear classification for open wounds of the finger, facilitating better tracking of treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hand injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S61.203 provides a clear classification for open wounds of the finger, facilitating better tracking of treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S61.203 provides a clear classification for open wounds of the finger, facilitating better tracking of 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 an open wound of the left middle finger?

Document the mechanism of injury, size and depth of the wound, any associated injuries, treatment provided, and follow-up care instructions.