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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS71.142

S71.142

Billable

Puncture wound with foreign body, left thigh

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S71.142 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body, left thigh.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound with a foreign body in the left thigh typically occurs when a sharp object penetrates the skin and underlying tissues, potentially causing damage to muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. This type of injury can result from various incidents, including accidents involving sharp tools, animal bites, or falls onto sharp objects. Clinically, the presence of a foreign body complicates the wound management, as it may lead to infection, delayed healing, or further tissue damage. The treatment often involves thorough cleaning of the wound, removal of the foreign body, and possibly surgical intervention if deeper structures are involved. In cases where the foreign body is not easily accessible or if there is significant tissue damage, orthopedic trauma surgery may be necessary to repair the affected area and restore function. The management of such injuries requires careful assessment to determine the extent of damage and the appropriate surgical or non-surgical approach.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for precise documentation of the foreign body type and location
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., muscle, nerve, vascular damage)
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on the severity of the wound
  • Differentiation from other types of wounds (e.g., lacerations, abrasions)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type and its removal
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications
  • Misclassification of the wound type (puncture vs. laceration)
  • Lack of clarity in the treatment plan and follow-up care

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes describing the procedure, foreign body removal, and any repairs made to surrounding tissues.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of puncture wounds with foreign bodies requiring surgical intervention, including cases with significant soft tissue damage.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging studies and consultations are documented to support the complexity of the case.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of the initial assessment, wound care provided, and any imaging or referrals made.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and management of puncture wounds in the emergency department, including foreign body identification.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires clear documentation of the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S71.142 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S71
  • 142 should be used when a puncture wound with a foreign body is specifically documented in the left thigh
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S71.142 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12002CPT Code

Simple repair of a wound

Clinical Scenario

Used when the puncture wound requires simple closure without extensive debridement.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

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

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 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 puncture wounds 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 puncture wounds 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 is the difference between a puncture wound and a laceration?

A puncture wound is a deep wound caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin, while a laceration is a tear or cut in the skin that may be jagged or irregular. Puncture wounds often involve deeper tissues and may require different treatment approaches.