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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.230

S61.230

Billable

Puncture wound without foreign body of right index finger without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.230 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body of right index finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound of the right index finger is characterized by a small, deep injury caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin. This type of wound typically does not involve any foreign body, meaning that no external material is lodged within the wound. The absence of damage to the nail indicates that the injury is confined to the soft tissue of the finger, which may include the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and possibly deeper structures such as tendons or nerves. Clinically, puncture wounds can lead to complications such as infection, especially if not properly cleaned and treated. The right index finger is particularly important for hand function, and injuries here can affect grip strength and dexterity. Treatment may involve cleaning the wound, monitoring for signs of infection, and possibly administering a tetanus shot if the patient's immunization status is not up to date. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required if there is significant damage to underlying structures or if the wound becomes infected.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between puncture wounds and lacerations.
  • Assessing the depth and extent of the injury.
  • Determining the need for additional codes for associated injuries.
  • Understanding the implications of foreign body presence.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury's specifics.
  • Failure to note the absence of foreign bodies.
  • Misclassification of the wound type (puncture vs. laceration).
  • Inaccurate coding of associated injuries or complications.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the mechanism of injury, treatment provided, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from various sources, such as nails, needles, or animal bites.

Billing Considerations

Ensure tetanus status is documented and any prophylactic measures taken are noted.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Assessment of any potential tendon or nerve involvement, imaging studies if performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Injuries requiring surgical intervention due to complications or deeper tissue involvement.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical procedures performed and the rationale for intervention.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.230 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S61
  • 230 should be used when documenting a puncture wound of the right index finger without foreign body and without nail damage
  • It is important to ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.230 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when the puncture wound requires suturing or closure.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document any underlying tendon or nerve involvement.

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 puncture wounds. 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 injuries, including puncture wounds. 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 injuries, including puncture wounds. 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 is the difference between a puncture wound and a laceration?

A puncture wound is a small, deep injury caused by a sharp object, while a laceration is a tear or cut in the skin that may be wider and more superficial.