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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS81.031

S81.031

Billable

Puncture wound without foreign body, right knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S81.031 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body, right knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound without foreign body in the right knee is characterized by a breach in the skin and underlying tissues caused by a sharp object, such as a nail or a needle, that penetrates the knee joint area. This type of injury can lead to localized pain, swelling, and potential complications such as infection or joint effusion. The absence of a foreign body indicates that the wound does not contain any retained objects, which simplifies the management of the injury. Clinically, the evaluation of a puncture wound involves assessing the depth of the injury, the presence of any associated ligamentous or meniscal injuries, and the overall stability of the knee joint. Treatment typically includes cleaning the wound, possible suturing, and monitoring for signs of infection. In some cases, imaging studies may be warranted to rule out deeper structural damage, particularly if there is significant swelling or functional impairment. Proper documentation of the mechanism of injury, the extent of the wound, and any associated treatments is crucial for accurate coding and billing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between puncture wounds and lacerations.
  • Assessing associated injuries to ligaments or menisci.
  • Documenting the absence of foreign bodies accurately.
  • Understanding the implications of the injury on knee function.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to note associated injuries.
  • Misclassification of the wound type (puncture vs. laceration).
  • Lack of follow-up documentation regarding treatment outcomes.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, physical examination findings, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with knee puncture wounds from sports injuries or accidents.

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document any imaging studies performed to rule out deeper injuries.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of the wound, including size, depth, and any signs of infection.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute knee injuries presenting to the emergency department.

Billing Considerations

Document the initial treatment provided and any referrals made for follow-up care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S81.031 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S81
  • 031 should be used when a puncture wound is confirmed without any foreign body present
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are coded separately if applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S81.031 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when the puncture wound requires suturing.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and depth of the wound, as well as the repair technique used.

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 helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, leading to improved 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 helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, leading to improved 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 helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, leading to improved 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 should I document for a puncture wound to ensure accurate coding?

Document the mechanism of injury, the depth and size of the wound, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided. Ensure that the absence of foreign bodies is clearly noted.