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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.22

S61.22

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of finger without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.22 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S61.22 refers to a specific type of injury characterized by a laceration of the finger that includes a foreign body embedded within the wound, but does not involve damage to the nail. This condition often arises from accidents involving sharp objects, machinery, or falls, leading to a breach in the skin integrity of the finger. The presence of a foreign body complicates the injury, as it may lead to infection, delayed healing, or further tissue damage if not properly addressed. Clinicians must assess the extent of the laceration, the type of foreign body, and any associated injuries such as fractures, tendon injuries, or nerve damage. Treatment typically involves thorough cleaning of the wound, removal of the foreign body, and possibly suturing the laceration. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair damaged structures or to ensure complete removal of the foreign body. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the injury and treatment provided.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Identification of the foreign body type and its implications for treatment
  • Assessment of associated injuries such as fractures or tendon damage
  • Documentation of the extent of the laceration and any surgical procedures performed
  • Differentiation from similar codes that may involve nail damage or other finger injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type and its removal
  • Failure to document associated injuries such as fractures or tendon damage
  • Misclassification of the injury severity or type
  • Lack of clarity in the treatment plan and follow-up care

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed account of the mechanism of injury, foreign body identification, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with lacerations from accidents, including cuts from glass, metal, or other sharp objects.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented to support the complexity of the case.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive notes on any fractures, tendon injuries, or surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Cases requiring surgical repair of lacerations with foreign bodies, especially if there is damage to underlying structures.

Billing Considerations

Document the surgical approach and any complications encountered during the procedure.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.22 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S61
  • 22 should be used when a laceration with a foreign body is documented without nail damage
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that all relevant details are included to justify the code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.22 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for lacerations requiring simple closure without extensive tissue manipulation.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers should ensure that the repair method aligns with the complexity of the injury.

10120CPT Code

Incision and removal of foreign body

Clinical Scenario

Used when a foreign body is embedded in the wound and requires surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the foreign body type, location, and removal technique.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should document any associated injuries and the surgical approach taken.

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 those with foreign bodies. S61.22 provides a clear distinction from other laceration codes, improving the accuracy of medical records and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies. S61.22 provides a clear distinction from other laceration codes, improving the accuracy of medical records and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 to support the use of S61.22?

Documentation should include the mechanism of injury, details about the foreign body, the extent of the laceration, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided. This ensures that the coding accurately reflects the complexity of the case.