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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS81.029

S81.029

Billable

Laceration with foreign body, unspecified knee

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/26/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S81.029 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body, unspecified knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S81.029 refers to a laceration of the knee that is accompanied by a foreign body, but the specific location of the laceration within the knee is not specified. This type of injury can occur due to various incidents such as falls, sports injuries, or accidents involving sharp objects. The presence of a foreign body complicates the injury, as it may require surgical intervention for removal and can increase the risk of infection. The knee joint is a complex structure composed of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, making injuries in this area particularly significant. Lacerations can lead to complications such as ligament tears, which may necessitate orthopedic reconstructive procedures. Additionally, if the laceration is deep, it may involve underlying structures, including the tibia and fibula, potentially leading to fractures. Proper assessment and documentation of the injury are crucial for determining the appropriate treatment and coding. The management of such injuries often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and primary care providers to ensure comprehensive care and rehabilitation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of the laceration's depth and extent.
  • Need to identify and document the type of foreign body present.
  • Potential for associated injuries such as fractures or ligament tears.
  • Differentiation from other knee injuries that may have similar presentations.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type and its impact on treatment.
  • Failure to document associated injuries such as fractures or ligament tears.
  • Misclassification of the laceration type (e.g., superficial vs. deep).
  • Inconsistent coding practices among different providers.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the laceration's depth, foreign body characteristics, and any associated injuries.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with knee lacerations from sports injuries or accidents requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging studies and surgical notes are included to support the coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of the mechanism of injury, initial assessment findings, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute knee injuries presenting to the emergency department with lacerations and foreign bodies.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires clear documentation of the patient's condition upon arrival and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S81.029 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S81
  • 029 should be used when a patient presents with a laceration of the knee that includes a foreign body
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S81.029 When
  • Exclusions include cases where the laceration is not accompanied by a foreign body

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for the repair of a laceration with a foreign body after removal.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should 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 those with foreign bodies. This specificity improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track injury trends and 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 improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track injury trends and outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies. This specificity improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track injury trends and 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 be documented to support the use of S81.029?

Documentation should include the mechanism of injury, the type of foreign body present, the depth of the laceration, and any associated injuries such as fractures or ligament tears.