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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.019

S21.019

Billable

Laceration without foreign body of unspecified breast

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/23/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.019 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of unspecified breast.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S21.019 refers to a laceration of the breast tissue that does not involve any foreign body. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including trauma from blunt force, sharp objects, or surgical interventions. The breast is a complex structure composed of glandular tissue, adipose tissue, and connective tissue, making it susceptible to various types of injuries. Lacerations can lead to complications such as infection, hematoma formation, or scarring. In cases of significant trauma, associated injuries may include rib fractures, pneumothorax, or hemothorax, particularly if the trauma is severe enough to impact the thoracic cavity. Accurate coding of this condition is essential for proper treatment planning and reimbursement, as it may require surgical intervention or specialized care depending on the severity and extent of the laceration. Documentation should clearly describe the nature of the injury, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided to ensure appropriate coding and billing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation quality regarding the nature of the laceration.
  • Potential for associated injuries that may complicate coding.
  • Differentiation from similar codes related to breast injuries.
  • Need for precise anatomical descriptions in documentation.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to document associated injuries.
  • Misclassification of the type of laceration.
  • Lack of clarity on treatment provided.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes and descriptions of the laceration and any surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of breast lacerations following trauma or elective procedures.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented to support coding for potential complications.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment notes including mechanism of injury, vital signs, and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of acute breast lacerations due to trauma or accidents.

Billing Considerations

Document any imaging studies performed to rule out associated thoracic injuries.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.019 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S21
  • 019 should be used when the laceration is documented as without foreign body and the specific site is unspecified
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.019 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12031CPT Code

Repair of superficial wound

Clinical Scenario

Used for suturing a laceration on the breast.

Documentation Requirements

Operative notes detailing the size and location of the laceration.

Specialty Considerations

General surgery documentation must include the rationale for the procedure.

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. S21.019 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, which aids in accurate treatment and billing.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including lacerations. S21.019 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, which aids in accurate treatment and billing.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing.

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 to support the use of S21.019?

Documentation should include the mechanism of injury, the extent of the laceration, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided. Clear notes will help justify the coding choice.