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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.242

S61.242

Billable

Puncture wound with foreign body of right middle finger without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.242 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body of right middle finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound with a foreign body in the right middle finger is a specific type of injury characterized by a sharp object penetrating the skin and underlying tissues without causing damage to the nail. This injury can occur in various settings, such as during work-related activities, household chores, or recreational activities. The presence of a foreign body, such as wood, metal, or glass, can complicate the healing process and may lead to infection or other complications if not properly addressed. Clinically, the patient may present with localized pain, swelling, and redness around the wound site. The absence of nail damage is significant as it indicates that the injury is less likely to affect the nail bed or lead to nail deformities. Treatment typically involves thorough cleaning of the wound, removal of the foreign body, and possibly the administration of antibiotics to prevent infection. Follow-up care may include monitoring for signs of infection and ensuring proper healing of the puncture site.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Identification of the foreign body type and its location
  • Assessment of potential complications such as infection
  • Differentiation from other types of hand injuries
  • Documentation of the absence of nail damage

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type
  • Failure to document the absence of nail damage
  • Lack of follow-up notes on wound healing
  • Misclassification of the injury type

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the injury mechanism, foreign body identification, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from various sources, such as nails, splinters, or metal shards.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant details about the injury and treatment are documented to support the coding.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive notes on any surgical intervention, including foreign body removal and repair of any associated injuries.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Cases requiring surgical intervention for foreign body removal or repair of tendon or nerve injuries.

Billing Considerations

Document any additional procedures performed during surgery to ensure accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.242 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S61
  • 242 should be used when a puncture wound with a foreign body is documented without nail damage
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and includes details about the foreign body and treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.242 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 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 with foreign bodies. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, leading to improved patient care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds with foreign bodies. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, leading to improved patient care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds with foreign bodies. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, leading to improved patient care.

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 be documented for a puncture wound with a foreign body?

Documentation should include the mechanism of injury, type of foreign body, treatment provided, and the condition of the nail.