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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.31

S61.31

Billable

Laceration without foreign body of finger with damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.31 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of finger with damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S61.31 refers to a laceration of the finger that does not involve a foreign body and includes damage to the nail. This type of injury is common in various settings, including workplaces, homes, and recreational activities. The laceration may vary in depth and severity, potentially affecting not only the skin but also underlying structures such as tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. Damage to the nail can manifest as a split, avulsion, or complete loss, which may require surgical intervention or specialized care. Proper assessment is crucial to determine the extent of the injury, as associated complications like infection or impaired function can arise. Treatment may involve cleaning the wound, suturing, and possibly referral to a hand specialist for further evaluation, especially if tendon or nerve damage is suspected. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of care provided.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in injury severity and associated structures affected
  • Need for detailed documentation of the extent of laceration
  • Potential for co-existing injuries (e.g., fractures, tendon injuries)
  • Differentiation from similar codes related to finger injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury's extent
  • Failure to note associated injuries (e.g., fractures, tendon damage)
  • Incorrect coding of the type of laceration
  • Lack of clarity in treatment provided

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the nature of the laceration, any surgical interventions performed, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Lacerations requiring surgical repair, tendon repair, or nail bed reconstruction.

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document any associated fractures or tendon injuries that may complicate the laceration.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of the injury, including mechanism of injury, initial treatment, and any referrals made.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute lacerations presenting in the emergency department, often requiring immediate care.

Billing Considerations

Document the patient's functional status post-injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.31 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S61
  • 31 should be used when a laceration of the finger is documented without a foreign body and with damage to the nail
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.31 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for lacerations requiring simple closure without extensive tissue manipulation.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the laceration 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 those involving lacerations and nail damage. 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 those involving lacerations and nail damage. 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 those involving lacerations and nail damage. 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 is the difference between S61.30 and S61.31?

S61.30 refers to a laceration of the finger without damage to the nail, while S61.31 includes damage to the nail, which may require different treatment considerations.