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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS81.821

S81.821

Billable

Laceration with foreign body, right lower leg

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S81.821 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body, right lower leg.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S81.821 refers to a laceration in the right lower leg that is complicated by the presence of a foreign body. This condition typically arises from traumatic injuries such as falls, accidents, or sports-related incidents. The right lower leg encompasses the area from the knee to the ankle, including the tibia and fibula. The presence of a foreign body, such as glass, metal, or wood, can complicate the injury, leading to increased risk of infection, delayed healing, and potential for further surgical intervention. Treatment often involves thorough cleaning of the wound, removal of the foreign body, and possibly suturing the laceration. In cases where the foreign body has penetrated deeply, imaging studies may be required to assess the extent of the injury and to ensure complete removal. The management of such injuries is critical to prevent complications and ensure optimal recovery, especially in active individuals or athletes. Proper documentation of the injury mechanism, foreign body type, and treatment provided is essential for accurate coding and billing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates the injury.
  • Requires detailed documentation of the injury mechanism.
  • Potential for multiple treatment modalities (e.g., surgical intervention).
  • Need for imaging studies to assess foreign body location.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type.
  • Failure to document the mechanism of injury.
  • Lack of imaging reports to support the diagnosis.
  • Inconsistent coding of related procedures.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, imaging results, and follow-up care documentation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical removal of foreign bodies, repair of lacerations, management of fractures associated with lacerations.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all surgical interventions are documented, including the type of foreign body and any complications encountered.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of initial assessment, treatment provided, and any referrals made.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and management of traumatic lacerations with foreign bodies.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of the mechanism of injury and immediate care provided is crucial for coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S81.821 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S81
  • 821 should be used when a laceration in the right lower leg is specifically associated with a foreign body
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that all relevant details are captured, including the type of foreign body and the treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S81.821 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12002CPT Code

Simple repair of a laceration, face, ears, eyelids, scalp; 2.5 cm or less

Clinical Scenario

Used when a simple laceration repair is performed in conjunction with foreign body removal.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the laceration and the foreign body type.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that all aspects of the procedure are documented.

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. S81.821 provides a clear distinction that aids in treatment planning and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies. S81.821 provides a clear distinction that aids in treatment planning and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 importance of documenting the foreign body type?

Documenting the foreign body type is crucial for accurate coding and treatment planning. It helps in assessing the risk of infection and determining the appropriate management strategy.