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 CodesS01.312

S01.312

Billable

Laceration without foreign body of left ear

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S01.312 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of left ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A laceration of the left ear without the presence of a foreign body is characterized by a tear or cut in the skin and underlying tissues of the ear. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including blunt trauma, sharp objects, or accidents. The left ear may sustain lacerations from falls, sports injuries, or accidents involving machinery. Clinically, these lacerations can vary in depth and severity, potentially involving the cartilage or deeper structures. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination to assess the extent of the injury, including any potential damage to the ear canal or surrounding structures. Management may include cleaning the wound, suturing if necessary, and providing appropriate wound care to prevent infection. Complications can include scarring, infection, or, in severe cases, damage to the ear's structure leading to hearing loss. Accurate coding is essential for proper billing and tracking of injury types in healthcare settings.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in injury severity and treatment options
  • Need for precise documentation of injury location and type
  • Potential for associated injuries requiring additional codes
  • Differentiation from similar codes for other ear injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the absence of foreign bodies
  • Incorrect coding of associated injuries
  • Misinterpretation of the severity of the laceration

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include a detailed account of the injury mechanism, examination findings, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with lacerations from sports injuries, falls, or accidents requiring immediate care.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the documentation clearly states the absence of foreign bodies and the extent of the injury.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative notes should detail the surgical approach, any repairs made, and post-operative care instructions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of lacerations that may involve suturing or reconstructive techniques.

Billing Considerations

Document any complications or additional procedures performed during surgery.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S01.312 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code accurately reflects the diagnosis and that all documentation supports the coding choice

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S01.312 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds of the face, ears, eyelids, and mucous membranes

Clinical Scenario

Used for suturing a laceration on the left ear.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is clearly linked to the diagnosis of the laceration.

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 lacerations, which improves data accuracy and tracking of injury types.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including lacerations, which improves data accuracy and tracking of injury types.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including lacerations, which improves data accuracy and tracking of injury types.

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 should be documented for a laceration of the left ear?

Document the mechanism of injury, the extent of the laceration, any treatment provided, and confirm the absence of foreign bodies.