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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.031

S21.031

Billable

Puncture wound without foreign body of right breast

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.031 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body of right breast.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound of the right breast is a type of injury characterized by a sharp object penetrating the skin and underlying tissues without the presence of a foreign body. This injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including accidental trauma, self-inflicted wounds, or as a result of a medical procedure. Clinically, puncture wounds can lead to complications such as infection, hematoma formation, or damage to underlying structures, including breast tissue and adjacent muscles. In the context of chest trauma, it is crucial to assess for associated injuries such as rib fractures, pneumothorax, or hemothorax, which may arise from penetrating injuries to the thoracic cavity. Cardiac injuries may also be a concern if the puncture wound is deep enough to compromise the pericardium or myocardium. Surgical interventions may be required to manage complications or repair damaged tissues, emphasizing the importance of thorough documentation and accurate coding to reflect the complexity of care provided.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between puncture wounds and lacerations
  • Assessing for associated injuries in the thoracic region
  • Documenting the absence of foreign bodies accurately
  • Understanding the implications of chest trauma on coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications
  • Misclassification of the type of wound (puncture vs. laceration)
  • Lack of clarity on the absence of foreign bodies

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed account of the injury mechanism, assessment of associated injuries, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from accidents, self-harm, or medical procedures.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented to support the complexity of care.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the extent of the injury, any surgical interventions performed, and post-operative care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of puncture wounds or management of complications such as pneumothorax.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of surgical procedures related to the injury is essential.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.031 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S21
  • 031 should be used when documenting a puncture wound without foreign body
  • It is important to ensure that the documentation clearly states the absence of foreign bodies and any associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.031 When
  • Exclusion criteria include wounds with foreign bodies or those that are infected

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for repair of the puncture wound if surgical intervention is required.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the repair procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is linked to the diagnosis of the puncture wound.

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 outcomes.

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 outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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 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 difference between a puncture wound and a laceration?

A puncture wound is caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin, while a laceration is a tear or cut in the skin that may involve deeper tissues. Puncture wounds are typically more narrow and can be deeper than they appear, often requiring different management.