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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.303

S61.303

Billable

Unspecified open wound of left middle finger with damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.303 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of left middle finger with damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the left middle finger with damage to the nail indicates a traumatic injury that has penetrated the skin, potentially exposing underlying structures. This type of injury can result from various incidents, including cuts, lacerations, or punctures. The damage to the nail may involve partial or complete loss of the nail plate, which can lead to complications such as infection, nail deformity, or delayed healing. The clinical management of such injuries often requires thorough assessment to rule out associated injuries, including fractures of the phalanges, tendon injuries, or nerve damage. Treatment may involve wound cleaning, suturing, and possibly surgical intervention to repair any underlying structures. Proper documentation is crucial to capture the extent of the injury and any associated treatments, as this will impact coding and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of the extent of the wound
  • Potential for associated injuries (fractures, tendon, nerve damage)
  • Need for precise anatomical localization
  • Variability in treatment approaches and follow-up care

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury's specifics
  • Failure to document associated injuries
  • Inconsistent coding of similar injuries
  • Lack of clarity on treatment provided

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, extent of damage, and any surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures associated with open wounds, tendon repairs, and nail bed injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented to support the complexity of the case.

Hand Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of the injury, including imaging studies and surgical findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Reconstruction of nail bed, repair of tendons, and management of complex hand injuries.

Billing Considerations

Focus on the functional implications of the injury and the necessity for surgical intervention.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.303 When
  • Follow the ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding open wounds, ensuring that the documentation supports the diagnosis and any associated injuries
  • Include details about the location, type of wound, and any complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.303 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when the wound requires suturing without extensive tissue manipulation.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and hand surgeons should ensure detailed operative notes.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, improving the granularity of data for treatment and outcomes. S61.303 captures the complexity of finger injuries more accurately than previous coding systems.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, improving the granularity of data for treatment and outcomes. S61.303 captures the complexity of finger injuries more accurately than previous coding systems.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, improving the granularity of data for treatment and outcomes. S61.303 captures the complexity of finger injuries more accurately than previous coding systems.

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 an open wound of the left middle finger?

Document the mechanism of injury, extent of the wound, any associated injuries, treatment provided, and follow-up care.