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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS71.129

S71.129

Billable

Laceration with foreign body, unspecified thigh

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S71.129 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body, unspecified thigh.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S71.129 refers to a laceration of the thigh that is complicated by the presence of a foreign body. This condition typically arises from traumatic incidents such as accidents, falls, 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 functional impairment. The presence of a foreign body can complicate the healing process, increase the risk of infection, and necessitate surgical intervention to remove the object and repair the laceration. Clinicians must assess the extent of the injury, the type of foreign body, and any associated complications such as fractures or dislocations. Proper documentation is essential to capture the specifics of the injury, including the mechanism of injury, the nature of the foreign body, and any surgical procedures performed. This code is particularly relevant in orthopedic trauma surgery, where timely and accurate coding can impact treatment decisions and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential foreign bodies (e.g., metal, glass, wood)
  • Need for detailed documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., fractures, dislocations)
  • Variability in treatment approaches (surgical vs. conservative)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type
  • Failure to document associated injuries
  • Lack of clarity on the mechanism of injury
  • Inconsistent coding of similar injuries

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 that all associated injuries (e.g., fractures) are documented and coded appropriately.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute trauma to the thigh with visible foreign bodies.

Billing Considerations

Document the patient's vital signs and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S71.129 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury's specifics, including the presence of a foreign body

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S71.129 When
  • Exclude codes for lacerations without foreign bodies unless specified

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12002CPT Code

Simple repair of laceration, face, ears, eyelids, scalp; 2.5 cm or less

Clinical Scenario

Used for simple laceration repairs without foreign bodies.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the laceration.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document additional details for complex repairs.

20680CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into a major joint or bursa

Clinical Scenario

May be used if joint involvement is suspected.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved and the reason for the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure clarity on the joint status.

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 treatment 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 aids in better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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 treatment 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 should I document if a foreign body is removed during surgery?

Document the type of foreign body, the method of removal, and any complications encountered during the procedure.

How do I differentiate between S71.129 and S71.121?

S71.129 is used when a foreign body is present in the laceration, while S71.121 is for lacerations without any foreign body.