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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.431

S61.431

Billable

Puncture wound without foreign body of right hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.431 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body of right hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound without foreign body of the right hand is characterized by a deep, narrow injury caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin and underlying tissues. This type of injury can occur from various sources, including nails, needles, or other pointed instruments. The absence of a foreign body indicates that the wound does not contain any embedded objects, which can complicate healing and increase the risk of infection. Clinically, such wounds may involve damage to the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and potentially deeper structures such as tendons, nerves, or blood vessels. Symptoms may include localized pain, swelling, and redness at the site of injury. Proper assessment is crucial to determine the extent of the injury, as puncture wounds can lead to complications such as tendon injuries or nerve damage, particularly in the hand where intricate structures are closely packed. Treatment typically involves cleaning the wound, monitoring for signs of infection, and may require surgical intervention if deeper structures are involved. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate management and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between puncture wounds and lacerations.
  • Assessing potential involvement of underlying structures (tendons, nerves).
  • Determining the need for surgical intervention.
  • Documenting the absence of foreign bodies accurately.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism.
  • Failure to document associated injuries (e.g., tendon or nerve damage).
  • Misclassification of the wound type (puncture vs. laceration).
  • Lack of follow-up documentation regarding healing and complications.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the extent of injury, surgical findings, and post-operative care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Repair of tendon injuries resulting from puncture wounds, management of fractures associated with hand trauma.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly outline the surgical approach and any complications encountered during the procedure.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Immediate care of puncture wounds, assessment for foreign bodies, and potential referrals for surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of the patient's vital signs and any signs of infection or complications is critical.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.431 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code accurately reflects the specific site and nature of the injury
  • Include any relevant details about associated injuries or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.431 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for repair of a puncture wound that does not involve deeper structures.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to provide additional details regarding the extent of the injury.

26300CPT Code

Exploration of wound

Clinical Scenario

Used when deeper structures are suspected to be involved.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the findings during exploration.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine specialists should document the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions.

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 puncture wounds. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, improving patient care and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, improving patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, improving patient care and resource allocation.

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 a puncture wound and a laceration?

A puncture wound is a deep, narrow injury caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin, while a laceration is a tear or cut in the skin that may be more extensive and irregular in shape.