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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.318

S61.318

Billable

Laceration without foreign body of other finger with damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.318 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of other finger with damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S61.318 refers to a laceration of a finger, specifically one 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 during recreational activities. The laceration may vary in severity, from superficial cuts to deeper wounds that can affect underlying structures such as tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. Damage to the nail can lead to complications such as nail deformity or loss, which may require surgical intervention. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment planning and reimbursement. The clinician must document the extent of the laceration, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided, including whether surgical repair was necessary. This code is particularly relevant in hand trauma cases where the integrity of the finger and nail is compromised, necessitating a thorough assessment and appropriate management to prevent long-term functional impairment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in the severity of lacerations
  • Potential for associated injuries (tendons, nerves)
  • Need for detailed documentation of nail damage
  • Differentiation from similar codes for lacerations

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of injury severity
  • Failure to specify associated injuries
  • Incorrect coding of nail damage
  • Lack of clarity on treatment provided

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, extent of laceration, and any surgical procedures performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with finger lacerations requiring surgical repair or reconstruction.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation includes any nerve or tendon involvement for accurate coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of the injury, including vital signs and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute finger injuries from accidents or trauma.

Billing Considerations

Document the time of injury and treatment timeline for accurate coding and billing.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.318 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S61
  • 318 should be used when a laceration occurs without a foreign body and includes nail damage
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.318 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 wound and the method of closure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document any tendon repair performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lacerations, improving the accuracy of billing and treatment planning. S61.318 provides a clear distinction for lacerations involving nail damage, which was less specific in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lacerations, improving the accuracy of billing and treatment planning. S61.318 provides a clear distinction for lacerations involving nail damage, which was less specific in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing and treatment planning. S61.318 provides a clear distinction for lacerations involving nail damage, which was less specific in ICD-9.

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 S61.318 and S61.319?

S61.318 is used for lacerations of the finger with nail damage, while S61.319 is for unspecified severity lacerations without foreign bodies. Accurate documentation is essential to determine the correct code.