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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.209

S61.209

Billable

Unspecified open wound of unspecified finger without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.209 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of unspecified finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the finger refers to a laceration or puncture that penetrates the skin but does not involve damage to the nail. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including cuts from sharp objects, bites, or accidents involving machinery. The clinical presentation may include bleeding, swelling, and pain at the site of injury. While the wound may not damage the nail, it can still lead to complications such as infection, tendon injuries, or nerve damage if not properly assessed and treated. The management of such wounds often involves cleaning the wound, possibly suturing, and monitoring for signs of infection. In cases where deeper structures are involved, further evaluation may be necessary to assess for fractures or tendon injuries. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment documentation and reimbursement, as well as for tracking injury patterns in epidemiological studies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of wound depth and extent
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., fractures, tendon damage)
  • Need for precise anatomical localization
  • Differentiation from similar codes for more specific injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the finger involved
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for wound healing
  • Inconsistent coding of associated injuries

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the injury mechanism, wound assessment, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with lacerations from accidents, sports injuries, or domestic incidents.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation includes any associated injuries or complications, such as fractures or tendon injuries.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluation of the hand and finger, including imaging studies if fractures are suspected.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with open wounds requiring surgical intervention or repair of tendons.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.209 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury's specifics
  • Include details about the wound's location, depth, and any associated injuries
  • Use additional codes for complications or related conditions as necessary

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.209 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for suturing an open wound on the finger.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the wound and the technique used.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers should ensure they document the mechanism of injury.

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 data collection and reimbursement processes. S61.209 provides a clear classification for unspecified open wounds, facilitating better tracking of hand injuries.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S61.209 provides a clear classification for unspecified open wounds, facilitating better tracking of hand injuries.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S61.209 provides a clear classification for unspecified open wounds, facilitating better tracking of hand injuries.

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 finger?

Document the mechanism of injury, the specific finger involved, the depth of the wound, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided.