ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.422

S61.422

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of left hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.422 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of left hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S61.422 refers to a laceration of the left hand that is complicated by the presence of a foreign body. This condition typically arises from traumatic incidents such as cuts or punctures caused by sharp objects, which may embed materials like glass, metal, or wood into the soft tissues of the hand. The presence of a foreign body can complicate the healing process, leading to potential infections, delayed recovery, or further injury to underlying structures such as tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. Clinically, patients may present with pain, swelling, and impaired function of the hand. A thorough examination is necessary to assess the extent of the laceration and the type of foreign body involved. Imaging studies may be required to locate non-visible foreign bodies. Treatment often involves surgical intervention to remove the foreign body, repair any damaged structures, and ensure proper wound care to promote healing and restore function. The complexity of this condition lies in the potential for associated injuries, such as tendon lacerations or nerve damage, which may necessitate specialized surgical techniques and rehabilitation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates the injury.
  • Potential for associated tendon and nerve injuries.
  • Need for surgical intervention and detailed operative reports.
  • Variability in documentation based on the type of foreign body.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type.
  • Failure to document associated injuries (tendons, nerves).
  • Lack of detailed operative notes for surgical procedures.
  • Misclassification of the severity of the laceration.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and follow-up notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of lacerations with foreign bodies, tendon repairs, and nerve decompression.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of all associated injuries and procedures performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Initial assessment notes, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Emergency treatment of hand injuries, foreign body removal, and wound care.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.422 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S61
  • 422 should be used when a laceration of the left hand is accompanied by a foreign body
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and includes details about the foreign body and any associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.422 When
  • Exclusions include lacerations without foreign bodies or those affecting other body parts

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for repair of lacerations without significant underlying injury.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size, location, and complexity of the laceration.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to provide additional details on tendon or nerve involvement.

64721CPT Code

Neuroplasty of median nerve

Clinical Scenario

Used when nerve damage is present due to the laceration.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative report and pre-operative assessment.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of nerve repair procedures.

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 aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve patient care and resource allocation.

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 aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and to avoid denials.

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 a laceration with a foreign body?

Document the mechanism of injury, type of foreign body, location and extent of the laceration, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided, including any surgical interventions.