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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.409

S61.409

Billable

Unspecified open wound of unspecified hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.409 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of unspecified hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the hand refers to a traumatic injury that results in a break in the skin, exposing underlying tissues, and is not further classified by the specific location or type of wound. Such injuries can occur due to various mechanisms, including lacerations, punctures, or abrasions, often resulting from accidents involving sharp objects, machinery, or falls. The hand is a complex structure composed of bones, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels, making it susceptible to various injuries. Open wounds can lead to complications such as infection, delayed healing, and damage to underlying structures, including tendons and nerves. Proper assessment and management are crucial to prevent long-term functional impairment. Treatment may involve wound cleaning, suturing, and, in some cases, surgical intervention to repair damaged structures. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate reimbursement and to reflect the severity of the injury in clinical documentation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in wound types and severity
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., fractures, tendon damage)
  • Need for detailed documentation to specify the nature of the wound
  • Differentiation from other hand injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Lack of specificity in the wound description
  • Inadequate follow-up documentation
  • Failure to document associated injuries

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the injury, treatment plan, and any surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures associated with open wounds, tendon repairs, and nerve decompression.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the complexity of the injury and any surgical procedures performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of the mechanism of injury, initial assessment, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute presentations of open wounds, management of infections, and referrals for surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires clear documentation of the injury's nature and any immediate interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.409 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used for open wounds that are not specified further

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.409 When
  • Exclude codes for closed wounds or those with specific locations or types

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for suturing an open wound on the hand.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may perform more complex repairs requiring additional coding.

26300CPT Code

Tendon repair

Clinical Scenario

Used when an open wound involves tendon damage.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the tendon involved and the repair technique used.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure accurate coding for the specific tendon repaired.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of hand injuries, improving the specificity of diagnoses and treatment plans. This code reflects the need for accurate documentation to capture the complexity of hand injuries.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of hand injuries, improving the specificity of diagnoses and treatment plans. This code reflects the need for accurate documentation to capture the complexity of hand injuries.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of hand injuries, improving the specificity of diagnoses and treatment plans. This code reflects the need for accurate documentation to capture the complexity of hand injuries.

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 hand?

Document the mechanism of injury, the location and size of the wound, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided, including any surgical interventions.