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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.227

S61.227

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of left little finger without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.227 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of left little finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S61.227 refers to a specific type of injury characterized by a laceration of the left little finger that includes a foreign body embedded in the wound, but does not involve any damage to the nail. This condition typically arises from accidents involving sharp objects, such as glass, metal, or wood, which can penetrate the skin and become lodged in the tissue. 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. Clinically, the laceration may present with swelling, redness, and pain, and the foreign body may be visible or palpable. Treatment often involves careful cleaning of the wound, removal of the foreign body, and possibly suturing the laceration to promote healing. It is crucial to assess for any associated injuries, such as tendon or nerve damage, which can occur in deeper lacerations. Proper documentation of the injury's specifics, including the size and depth of the laceration, the type of foreign body, and any additional procedures performed, is essential for accurate coding and billing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Identification of the foreign body type and its implications for treatment.
  • Assessment of potential associated injuries (e.g., tendon or nerve damage).
  • Documentation of the absence of nail damage, which is critical for accurate coding.
  • Differentiation from similar codes that may involve more severe injuries.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type and removal process.
  • Failure to document associated injuries, such as tendon or nerve damage.
  • Misclassification of the injury severity or type.
  • Inconsistent coding between providers for similar injuries.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the injury mechanism, foreign body type, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with hand injuries from accidents, including cuts from glass or metal.

Billing Considerations

Ensure thorough documentation of the injury's specifics and any imaging or consultations performed.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive notes on any surgical interventions, including repair of tendons or nerves if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of lacerations involving deeper structures or foreign body removal.

Billing Considerations

Document any findings related to tendon or nerve involvement to support coding for additional procedures.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.227 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S61
  • 227 should be used when a laceration with a foreign body is documented without nail damage
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation clearly states the presence of a foreign body and that the nail is intact
  • If there are additional injuries, such as fractures or tendon damage, those should be coded separately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.227 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when the laceration is repaired without complications.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document any additional procedures if tendon repair is required.

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. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, leading to improved patient care and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, leading to improved patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and to avoid claim denials.

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 S61.227?

Documentation should include the mechanism of injury, the presence and type of foreign body, the condition of the nail, and any associated injuries or treatments performed.