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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.235

S61.235

Billable

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.235 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body of left ring finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound of the left ring finger is characterized by a small, deep injury caused by a sharp object that penetrates the skin but does not introduce any foreign material into the wound. This type of injury can occur in various settings, including occupational accidents, household injuries, or recreational activities. While the wound does not damage the nail, it can still lead to complications such as infection, inflammation, or damage to underlying structures like tendons and nerves. Clinically, it is essential to assess the depth of the wound, the presence of any signs of infection, and the functionality of the finger post-injury. Treatment typically involves cleaning the wound, possibly suturing if the wound is deep, and monitoring for signs of infection. In some cases, tetanus prophylaxis may be indicated depending on the patient's vaccination history and the nature of the injury. Proper documentation of the injury's specifics, including the mechanism of injury and any treatment provided, is crucial for accurate coding and billing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between puncture wounds and lacerations.
  • Assessing the need for additional codes for associated injuries.
  • Understanding the implications of 'without foreign body' in coding.
  • Documenting the absence of nail damage accurately.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to note the absence of foreign bodies.
  • Misclassification of the wound type (puncture vs. laceration).
  • Omission of follow-up care or complications in documentation.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from various sources, such as nails, needles, or sharp tools.

Billing Considerations

Ensure tetanus status is documented and any potential for infection is assessed.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Assessment of any underlying tendon or nerve damage, and surgical intervention details if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Injuries requiring surgical repair or intervention due to complications from the puncture wound.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical procedures performed and the rationale for intervention.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.235 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S61
  • 235 should be used when documenting a puncture wound of the left ring finger without foreign body and without nail damage
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.235 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds of the face, ears, eyelids, scalp, neck, axillae, genitalia, trunk, and extremities

Clinical Scenario

Used when the puncture wound requires suturing.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document any tendon 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 helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve patient care and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve patient care and resource allocation.

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 that penetrates the skin, while a laceration is a tear or cut in the skin that may be wider and shallower.