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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.218

S61.218

Billable

Laceration without foreign body of other finger without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.218 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of other finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S61.218 refers to a laceration of a 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 tendons or nerves. The absence of a foreign body simplifies the treatment process, focusing on wound care and potential surgical repair. Documentation should include the mechanism of injury, the specific finger involved, and any associated injuries to ensure accurate coding and appropriate treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in injury severity and depth
  • Potential for associated tendon or nerve injuries
  • Need for detailed documentation of injury specifics
  • Differentiation from similar codes for lacerations

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of injury specifics
  • Failure to note associated injuries (e.g., tendon or nerve damage)
  • Misclassification of the severity of the laceration
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the extent of the laceration, any associated injuries, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Lacerations requiring surgical repair, tendon repairs, or nerve exploration.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the surgical approach and any complications encountered.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough assessment of the injury, including mechanism, depth, and any immediate interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and treatment of finger lacerations in the emergency department.

Billing Considerations

Document all treatments provided, including suturing and any imaging studies performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.218 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S61
  • 218 should be used when documenting lacerations of the finger without foreign bodies or nail damage
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.218 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for suturing a laceration on the finger.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the laceration and the method of repair.

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 lacerations, improving the ability to capture the nuances of finger injuries. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury patterns and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lacerations, improving the ability to capture the nuances of finger injuries. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury patterns and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lacerations, improving the ability to capture the nuances of finger injuries. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury patterns and 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 is the difference between S61.218 and S61.217?

S61.218 is used for lacerations without foreign bodies, while S61.217 is for lacerations that involve a foreign body. Accurate documentation is essential to determine which code to use.