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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS81.841

S81.841

Billable

Puncture wound with foreign body, right lower leg

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S81.841 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body, right lower leg.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound with a foreign body in the right lower leg typically occurs when a sharp object penetrates the skin and underlying tissues, potentially causing damage to muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. This type of injury is common in various settings, including sports, occupational hazards, and accidents. The presence of a foreign body complicates the injury, as it may lead to infection, delayed healing, or further tissue damage. Clinicians must assess the extent of the injury, including any associated fractures, ligament tears, or soft tissue injuries. Treatment often involves careful removal of the foreign body, wound cleaning, and possibly surgical intervention if deeper structures are involved. In cases where the puncture wound is associated with knee injuries or fractures of the tibia or fibula, orthopedic evaluation is essential to determine the need for reconstructive procedures or stabilization. Proper documentation of the injury's mechanism, location, and any associated complications is crucial for accurate coding and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates treatment and documentation.
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., fractures, ligament tears).
  • Variability in clinical presentation and treatment approaches.
  • Need for precise anatomical location coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body and its removal.
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications.
  • Incorrect coding of the anatomical site.
  • Lack of clarity in the treatment plan.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, imaging results, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Puncture wounds leading to knee injuries, tibial/fibular fractures, or ligament tears.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects any surgical interventions or reconstructive procedures performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of the wound, foreign body identification, and immediate treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from accidents or sports injuries.

Billing Considerations

Document the time of injury, mechanism, and any immediate complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S81.841 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury's specifics, including the presence of a foreign body and any associated injuries
  • Include details on the treatment provided and any complications that arise

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S81.841 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

10120CPT Code

Incision and removal of foreign body, subcutaneous tissue

Clinical Scenario

Used when a foreign body is removed from the puncture wound.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size, location, and type of foreign body removed.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document additional details regarding the wound's impact on underlying structures.

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 with foreign bodies. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds with foreign bodies. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds with foreign bodies. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes.

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 in a puncture wound?

Documenting the foreign body is crucial for accurate coding, as it affects the treatment plan and potential complications. It also supports the medical necessity of procedures performed.