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 CodesS21.021

S21.021

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of right breast

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.021 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of right breast.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S21.021 refers to a laceration of the right breast that is complicated by the presence of a foreign body. This condition typically arises from traumatic incidents such as accidents, falls, or penetrating injuries. The laceration may involve the skin and underlying tissues, and the foreign body can range from fragments of clothing to more serious items like glass or metal. Clinically, the presence of a foreign body can complicate the healing process, increase the risk of infection, and necessitate surgical intervention for removal. In cases of significant trauma, associated injuries such as rib fractures, pneumothorax, or hemothorax may also be present, requiring comprehensive evaluation and management. The treatment approach often involves wound care, imaging studies to assess for additional injuries, and possibly surgical repair or debridement. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates the injury
  • Potential for associated chest trauma
  • Need for imaging studies to assess for additional injuries
  • Variability in surgical interventions required

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body
  • Failure to document associated injuries
  • Incorrect coding of the laceration depth
  • Lack of clarity on the mechanism of injury

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed account of the mechanism of injury, type of foreign body, and any associated injuries.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with traumatic injuries from accidents, falls, or assaults.

Billing Considerations

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

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the removal of foreign bodies and repair of lacerations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for lacerations with foreign bodies requiring debridement or repair.

Billing Considerations

Document the extent of the laceration and any additional procedures performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.021 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding injuries, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury site, type of foreign body, and any associated conditions
  • Include details on the mechanism of injury and any surgical interventions performed

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.021 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12031CPT Code

Repair of laceration, face, ears, eyelids, nose; complicated

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical repair is needed for a complicated laceration with foreign body.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the laceration and foreign body removal.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure the surgical specialty is noted for accurate billing.

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 the presence of foreign bodies, which enhances the accuracy of medical records and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including the presence of foreign bodies, which enhances the accuracy of medical records and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 S21.021?

Documentation should include the mechanism of injury, type of foreign body, depth of the laceration, and any associated injuries or complications.