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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.236

S61.236

Billable

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.236 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body of right little finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound of the right little finger occurs when a sharp object penetrates the skin, creating a small hole without causing damage to the nail or introducing a foreign body. This type of injury is common in various settings, including workplaces, homes, and recreational activities. Clinically, it may present with localized pain, swelling, and tenderness at the site of injury. While the wound may appear minor, it is essential to assess for potential complications such as infection, tendon injury, or nerve damage, particularly given the intricate anatomy of the hand. The absence of a foreign body simplifies the management of the wound, as it reduces the need for surgical intervention. However, careful monitoring and appropriate wound care are crucial to prevent secondary infections. Treatment typically involves cleaning the wound, applying a sterile dressing, and possibly administering a tetanus booster if indicated. Follow-up care may be necessary to ensure proper healing and to address any complications that may arise.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Low

Low Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Clear definition of the injury type
  • No foreign body present simplifies coding
  • Specificity to the right little finger
  • Absence of nail damage reduces complexity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to specify the exact location of the wound
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for healing
  • Misclassification of the wound type

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the injury, mechanism of injury, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document any signs of infection or complications that may arise.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of hand function and any potential tendon or nerve involvement.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with puncture wounds requiring surgical intervention or repair.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical procedures performed and the rationale for intervention.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.236 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury type, location, and any associated complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.236 When
  • Exclude codes for injuries with foreign bodies or those involving nail damage

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 potential tendon involvement.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 allows for more specific coding of injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes for puncture wounds.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 allows for more specific coding of injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes for puncture wounds.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes for puncture wounds.

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 for a puncture wound?

Document the mechanism of injury, the location of the wound, any signs of infection, and the treatment provided.