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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.34

S61.34

Billable

Puncture wound with foreign body of finger with damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.34 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body of finger with damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound with a foreign body of the finger with damage to the nail is a specific type of injury that occurs when a sharp object penetrates the skin of the finger, potentially embedding a foreign material. This injury can lead to various complications, including infection, damage to underlying structures such as tendons and nerves, and nail bed injury. The presence of a foreign body complicates the healing process and may require surgical intervention for removal. Clinically, patients may present with localized pain, swelling, and redness at the site of injury, along with possible drainage if an infection develops. The nail may exhibit discoloration, detachment, or other signs of trauma. Proper assessment is crucial to determine the extent of the injury, including imaging studies if tendon or nerve damage is suspected. Treatment may involve wound cleaning, foreign body removal, and possibly suturing, along with tetanus prophylaxis if indicated. Follow-up care is essential to monitor for signs of infection and ensure proper healing of the nail and surrounding tissues.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates the coding process.
  • Potential for associated injuries (tendon, nerve, fracture).
  • Need for detailed documentation of the injury's extent.
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on injury severity.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body.
  • Failure to note associated injuries (e.g., tendon damage).
  • Lack of clarity on the extent of nail damage.
  • Improper coding of follow-up visits.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes describing the injury, foreign body removal, and any repairs performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation includes the mechanism of injury and any associated injuries to tendons or nerves.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment notes including the mechanism of injury, initial treatment provided, and any imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute puncture wounds presenting to the emergency department for evaluation and treatment.

Billing Considerations

Document all treatments provided, including wound care and foreign body removal, to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.34 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S61
  • 34 should be used when there is a documented puncture wound with a foreign body and damage to the nail
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the presence of a foreign body and any associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.34 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds of the face, ears, eyelids, scalp, neck, axillae, genitalia, trunk, and extremities.

Clinical Scenario

Used when the puncture wound requires suturing.

Documentation Requirements

Operative notes detailing the repair process and any foreign body removal.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should document the extent of the injury and any repairs 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 with foreign bodies. This specificity improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track injury patterns and outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies. This specificity improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track injury patterns and outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies. This specificity improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track injury patterns and 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 importance of documenting the foreign body in a puncture wound?

Documenting the foreign body is crucial as it impacts the treatment plan, potential complications, and the accuracy of coding. It ensures that the medical record reflects the complexity of the injury and supports the use of specific codes.