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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS71.13

S71.13

Billable

Puncture wound without foreign body of thigh

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S71.13 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body of thigh.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound without foreign body of the thigh is a specific type of injury characterized by a deep, narrow wound caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin and underlying tissues of the thigh. Unlike lacerations, puncture wounds typically do not have a significant opening and can be deceptively serious due to the potential for damage to deeper structures such as muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. In the context of orthopedic trauma, these injuries may occur due to accidents, falls, or penetrating injuries from sharp objects. The thigh, being a large muscle mass, can sustain significant trauma, leading to complications such as infection, hematoma formation, or even vascular compromise. Proper assessment and management are crucial, as these wounds may require surgical intervention, especially if there is significant tissue damage or if the wound is contaminated. Orthopedic surgeons often evaluate these injuries to determine the need for debridement or repair of any damaged structures. Accurate coding of puncture wounds is essential for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between puncture wounds and other types of wounds (e.g., lacerations, abrasions)
  • Assessing the depth and extent of tissue damage
  • Identifying associated injuries (e.g., fractures, dislocations)
  • Documenting the absence of foreign bodies accurately

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to specify the absence of foreign bodies
  • Misclassification of the wound type
  • Lack of detail regarding associated injuries

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from falls, accidents, or sports injuries requiring surgical evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the depth of the wound and any associated injuries to support the coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough assessment notes, including mechanism of injury, vital signs, and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with puncture wounds presenting to the emergency department for evaluation and management.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the patient's history and any immediate interventions is critical for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S71.13 When
  • According to the ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, S71
  • 13 should be used when the documentation specifies a puncture wound without foreign body
  • It is important to ensure that the injury is not classified under other codes that describe more complex injuries or those with foreign bodies

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S71.13 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when a puncture wound requires simple closure.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document any additional procedures performed.

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, 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 puncture wounds. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve 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, which can improve 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 S71.13 and S71.12?

S71.13 is used for puncture wounds without foreign bodies, while S71.12 is for those with foreign bodies present. Accurate documentation is essential to determine the correct code.