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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.234

S61.234

Billable

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.234 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body of right ring finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound of the right ring finger is characterized by a small, deep injury caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin without causing damage to the nail or introducing a foreign body. This type of injury can occur in various settings, including occupational accidents, household injuries, or recreational activities. Clinically, the wound may present with localized pain, swelling, and tenderness, but without signs of infection or foreign material. Proper assessment is crucial to rule out associated injuries such as tendon lacerations, fractures, or nerve damage, which may not be immediately apparent. Treatment typically involves cleaning the wound, monitoring for infection, and providing appropriate wound care. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary if deeper structures are involved. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate reimbursement and to reflect the severity of the injury in medical records.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between puncture wounds and other types of wounds.
  • Assessing for potential associated injuries (e.g., tendon, nerve, or bone involvement).
  • Documentation of the absence of foreign bodies and nail damage.
  • Understanding the specific anatomical location and implications for treatment.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism.
  • Failure to document the absence of foreign bodies.
  • Misclassification of the wound type (e.g., coding as a laceration).
  • Lack of follow-up documentation indicating healing or complications.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the injury mechanism, assessment of associated injuries, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from various sources, including tools, animal bites, or falls.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant injuries are documented to avoid undercoding.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluation of potential tendon or nerve injuries, imaging studies if performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring surgical intervention for deeper injuries or complications from puncture wounds.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical procedures performed and the rationale for intervention.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.234 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury type, location, and any associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.234 When
  • Exclude codes for wounds with foreign bodies or nail damage

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when the puncture wound requires simple closure.

Documentation Requirements

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

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

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