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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS71.121

S71.121

Billable

Laceration with foreign body, right thigh

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/25/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S71.121 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body, right thigh.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S71.121 refers to a laceration of the right thigh that is complicated by the presence of a foreign body. This condition typically arises from traumatic incidents such as falls, accidents, or penetrating injuries where an object becomes embedded in the soft tissue of the thigh. The thigh is a critical area for mobility and weight-bearing, and injuries here can lead to significant complications, including infection, delayed healing, and impaired function. The presence of a foreign body complicates the injury, necessitating careful surgical intervention to remove the object and repair the laceration. Orthopedic trauma surgery may be required, especially if the injury involves deeper structures such as muscles, tendons, or nerves. Proper documentation is essential to capture the complexity of the injury, including the size and location of the laceration, the type of foreign body, and any associated injuries such as fractures or dislocations. Accurate coding is crucial for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of a foreign body complicates the injury.
  • Requires detailed documentation of the injury's extent.
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., fractures, dislocations).
  • Surgical intervention may be necessary, impacting coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type and size.
  • Failure to document associated injuries.
  • Improper coding of the procedure performed.
  • Lack of clarity on the mechanism of injury.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases involving lacerations with embedded objects, often requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all relevant details about the injury and treatment are documented to support the complexity of the case.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of the initial assessment, imaging studies, and treatment provided in the emergency setting.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with traumatic injuries, including lacerations with foreign bodies.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the severity of the injury.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S71.121 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the laceration is documented with specific details about the foreign body
  • Include any associated injuries and the treatment provided
  • Ensure compliance with coding conventions for trauma
  • related injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S71.121 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12002CPT Code

Simple repair of a laceration, face, ears, eyelids, neck, axilla, genitalia, trunk, hands, and feet; 2.5 cm or less

Clinical Scenario

Used when a simple repair is performed on a laceration with a foreign body.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the laceration and the presence of the foreign body.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that the complexity of the case is reflected in the coding.

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 the accuracy of patient records and enhances the ability to track outcomes and complications.

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 the accuracy of patient records and enhances the ability to track outcomes and complications.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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

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?

Documenting the foreign body is crucial for accurate coding and billing, as it affects the complexity of the injury and the treatment required.