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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.249

S61.249

Billable

Puncture wound with foreign body of unspecified finger without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.249 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body of unspecified finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound with a foreign body in the finger is a common injury that occurs when a sharp object penetrates the skin, potentially introducing foreign materials into the wound. This type of injury can lead to complications such as infection, inflammation, and damage to underlying structures, including tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. In cases where the nail is not damaged, the injury may still pose risks for functional impairment, particularly if the foreign body is not promptly and adequately addressed. Treatment typically involves thorough cleaning of the wound, removal of the foreign body, and possibly suturing if the wound is deep. The clinician must assess for any associated injuries, such as tendon lacerations or nerve damage, which may require surgical intervention. Proper documentation is crucial to ensure accurate coding and billing, as well as to facilitate appropriate treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Determining the presence and type of foreign body
  • Assessing for associated injuries (tendons, nerves)
  • Differentiating from similar codes (e.g., open fractures)
  • Documenting the absence of nail damage

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type
  • Failure to document associated injuries
  • Incorrect coding of the finger involved
  • Lack of clarity on treatment provided

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from nails, glass, or other sharp objects.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented to avoid undercoding.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of any tendon or nerve involvement, surgical notes if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for foreign body removal or repair of associated injuries.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the surgical approach and any complications encountered during the procedure.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.249 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding injuries, ensuring specificity in documentation regarding the location and nature of the injury
  • Include any associated injuries or complications in the coding process

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.249 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

10120CPT Code

Incision and drainage, abscess

Clinical Scenario

Used when an abscess develops from the puncture wound.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size, location, and nature of the abscess.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is justified based on clinical findings.

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 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 with foreign bodies. 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 with foreign bodies. 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 should be documented for a puncture wound with a foreign body?

Documentation should include the mechanism of injury, type of foreign body, location of the wound, any associated injuries, treatment provided, and follow-up care.