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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.229

S61.229

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of unspecified finger without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.229 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of unspecified finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S61.229 refers to a laceration of an unspecified finger that has been complicated by the presence of a foreign body, without any damage to the nail. This condition typically arises from traumatic incidents such as cuts or punctures that introduce foreign materials into the wound. The foreign body may include items like glass, metal, wood, or other debris that can complicate the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Clinically, this condition requires careful evaluation to determine the extent of the laceration, the nature of the foreign body, and any associated injuries such as fractures, tendon damage, or nerve involvement. Treatment often involves thorough cleaning of the wound, removal of the foreign body, and possibly surgical intervention if deeper structures are affected. Proper documentation is crucial to ensure accurate coding and reimbursement, as well as to facilitate appropriate follow-up care.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Determining the exact location of the laceration on the finger.
  • Identifying the type of foreign body present.
  • Assessing for associated injuries such as fractures or tendon damage.
  • Documenting the absence of nail damage accurately.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type.
  • Failure to document the absence of nail damage.
  • Misclassification of the finger involved.
  • Lack of detail regarding associated 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, such as cuts from glass or metal.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented to support coding for potential surgical interventions.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of any fractures or tendon injuries, including imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring surgical intervention for complex lacerations with foreign bodies.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.229 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S61
  • 229 should be used when a laceration with a foreign body is present without nail damage
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that all relevant details are captured

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.229 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when a simple repair is performed on a laceration with a foreign body.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document additional details if tendon repair is involved.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lacerations, including those with foreign bodies. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lacerations, including those with foreign bodies. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lacerations, including those with foreign bodies. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types 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 should I document to support the use of S61.229?

Document the mechanism of injury, the type of foreign body, the absence of nail damage, and any associated injuries or treatments provided.