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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS81.839

S81.839

Billable

Puncture wound without foreign body, unspecified lower leg

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S81.839 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body, unspecified lower leg.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound without foreign body in the lower leg refers to an injury characterized by a small, deep wound caused by a sharp object that penetrates the skin and underlying tissues. This type of injury can occur in various scenarios, such as accidents involving sharp tools, animal bites, or falls. The lower leg encompasses the area between the knee and the ankle, including the tibia and fibula. While puncture wounds are generally less severe than lacerations or abrasions, they can lead to complications such as infection, especially if not properly cleaned and treated. In cases where the wound is deep, there may be damage to underlying structures, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is crucial for healthcare providers to assess the wound thoroughly, considering the potential for associated injuries, such as ligament tears or fractures, particularly in active individuals. Treatment may involve cleaning the wound, monitoring for signs of infection, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair any damaged structures or to ensure proper healing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between puncture wounds and other types of wounds.
  • Assessing the depth and potential complications of the wound.
  • Documenting associated injuries such as fractures or ligament tears.
  • Understanding the treatment protocols and follow-up care.

Audit Risk Factors

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

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures associated with puncture wounds, ligament tears due to trauma.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented to support the coding of multiple conditions.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from accidents or animal bites.

Billing Considerations

Timely documentation is critical for accurate coding and billing.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S81.839 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S81
  • 839 should be used when a puncture wound is documented without a 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 S81.839 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 aids in better tracking of injury types and associated complications, improving patient care and billing accuracy.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and associated complications, improving patient care and billing accuracy.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing accuracy.

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 S81.839 and S81.839A?

S81.839 is used for puncture wounds without foreign bodies, while S81.839A is for puncture wounds that involve a foreign body.