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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.21

S61.21

Billable

Laceration without foreign body of finger without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.21 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S61.21 refers to a laceration of the finger that does not involve a foreign body and does not damage the nail. This type of injury is common in various settings, including workplaces, homes, and recreational activities. The laceration may vary in depth and severity, potentially affecting the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and underlying structures such as tendons and nerves. Proper assessment is crucial to determine the extent of the injury, as deeper lacerations may require surgical intervention to repair damaged structures. The absence of foreign bodies simplifies the treatment process, as there is no need for foreign body removal. However, clinicians must still evaluate for potential complications, such as infection or nerve damage, which can arise from lacerations. Accurate documentation of the injury's characteristics, including location, depth, and any associated symptoms, is essential for appropriate coding and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in laceration depth and severity
  • Potential for associated tendon or nerve injuries
  • Need for detailed documentation of injury characteristics
  • Differentiation from similar codes for more complex injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of injury specifics
  • Failure to assess for associated tendon or nerve injuries
  • Misclassification of laceration severity
  • Inconsistent coding of related procedures

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the laceration, including location, depth, and any associated injuries.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with finger lacerations from accidents, cuts, or falls.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant details are documented to support the coding of the injury.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of the laceration and evaluation for tendon or nerve involvement.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of lacerations that may involve deeper structures.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should include surgical findings and any repairs performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.21 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S61
  • 21 should be used when the laceration is confirmed to be without foreign body and without damage to the nail
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.21 When
No specific exclusions found.

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 for suturing a laceration on the finger.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the laceration, as well as the method of repair.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure aligns with the diagnosis and that all details are accurately captured.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lacerations, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S61.21 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, enhancing clinical documentation and coding precision.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lacerations, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S61.21 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, enhancing clinical documentation and coding precision.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S61.21 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, enhancing clinical documentation and coding precision.

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 S61.21 and S61.20?

S61.21 is used for lacerations without foreign bodies, while S61.20 is for lacerations that involve a foreign body. Accurate documentation is crucial to determine which code to use.