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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS81.81

S81.81

Billable

Laceration without foreign body of lower leg

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S81.81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of lower leg.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S81.81 refers to a laceration of the lower leg that does not involve a foreign body. This injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including falls, sports injuries, or accidents. The lower leg comprises the tibia and fibula, and lacerations can vary in severity from superficial cuts to deep wounds that may involve underlying structures such as muscles, tendons, or nerves. In cases where the laceration is associated with knee injuries, tibial or fibular fractures, or ligament tears, it is crucial to assess the extent of the injury. Orthopedic reconstructive procedures may be necessary if the laceration compromises the integrity of the lower leg structures. Proper documentation of the injury's location, depth, and associated injuries is essential for accurate coding and treatment planning. The management of such lacerations may include wound care, surgical intervention, and rehabilitation, depending on the severity and associated complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in injury severity and associated complications
  • Need for detailed documentation of injury specifics
  • Potential for associated fractures or ligament injuries
  • Differentiation from similar codes for accurate coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of injury specifics
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications
  • Incorrect coding of depth or severity of laceration
  • Misidentification of the injury site

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the laceration, associated fractures, and any surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with lacerations due to sports injuries, falls, or accidents requiring surgical repair.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, are documented to support coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough assessment of the laceration, including depth, location, and any immediate treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute lacerations presenting to the emergency department for evaluation and management.

Billing Considerations

Document any imaging studies performed to rule out fractures or other injuries.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S81.81 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S81
  • 81 should be used when a laceration of the lower leg is documented without the presence of a foreign body
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and includes details about the injury's location and severity

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S81.81 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for suturing a laceration without complications.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the laceration, as well as the technique used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists may need to document any associated injuries.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lacerations, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S81.81 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, which aids in clinical management and research.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lacerations, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S81.81 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, which aids in clinical management and research.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S81.81 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, which aids in clinical management and research.

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 S81.81 and S81.82?

S81.81 is used for lacerations without foreign bodies, while S81.82 is for lacerations that involve a foreign body. Accurate documentation is essential to determine which code to use.