ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS81.832

S81.832

Billable

Puncture wound without foreign body, left lower leg

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S81.832 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body, left lower leg.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound without foreign body in the left lower leg refers to a specific type of injury characterized by a small, deep wound caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin and underlying tissues. This injury can occur in various settings, including sports, accidents, or occupational hazards. The absence of a foreign body indicates that the wound does not contain any external material, such as dirt or debris, which could complicate healing or lead to infection. Clinically, these wounds may present with localized pain, swelling, and redness. The management of puncture wounds typically involves thorough cleaning, assessment for potential complications, and monitoring for signs of infection. In the context of knee injuries, tibial or fibular fractures, and ligament tears, it is crucial to differentiate between these conditions and a puncture wound, as they may require different treatment approaches and coding considerations. Orthopedic reconstructive procedures may be necessary if the puncture wound leads to significant tissue damage or if it is associated with underlying fractures or ligament injuries.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between puncture wounds and other types of wounds.
  • Assessing for associated injuries such as fractures or ligament tears.
  • Documentation of the absence of foreign bodies.
  • Understanding the implications of the injury on potential surgical interventions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism.
  • Failure to note associated injuries.
  • Misclassification of the wound type.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation regarding healing or complications.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the injury, treatment plan, and any associated injuries.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Puncture wounds resulting from sports injuries or falls.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented to avoid undercoding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment findings, treatment provided, and follow-up care instructions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from accidents or animal bites.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any potential complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S81.832 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S81
  • 832 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 appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S81.832 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for the repair of a puncture wound without complications.

Documentation Requirements

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

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 injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve 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, which can improve 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, which can improve 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 is the difference between a puncture wound and an open wound?

A puncture wound is a specific type of open wound that is deep and narrow, typically caused by a sharp object. Open wounds can include lacerations and abrasions, which may have different characteristics and management.