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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.032

S21.032

Billable

Puncture wound without foreign body of left breast

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.032 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body of left breast.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound of the left 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 assault. Clinically, puncture wounds can lead to complications such as infection, bleeding, and damage to underlying structures, including breast tissue and potentially the chest wall. 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. The management of such wounds often requires thorough evaluation and may necessitate surgical intervention, particularly if there is significant damage to the breast or underlying structures. Proper coding of this injury is essential for accurate medical billing and to ensure appropriate treatment protocols are followed.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between puncture wounds and lacerations
  • Assessing for associated injuries such as pneumothorax or hemothorax
  • Documenting the absence of foreign bodies accurately
  • Understanding the implications of chest trauma in coding

Audit Risk Factors

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

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with stab wounds, accidental punctures, or self-inflicted injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure thorough documentation of vital signs and any interventions performed, such as imaging or surgical consultation.

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients requiring surgical intervention for significant puncture wounds or those with complications like hemothorax.

Billing Considerations

Document any findings related to underlying structures and the necessity for surgical repair.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.032 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S21
  • 032 should be used when documenting a puncture wound of the left breast without foreign body
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.032 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for repair of the puncture wound if suturing is required.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified provider.

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 resource allocation.

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 resource allocation.

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 resource allocation.

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 a small hole in the skin caused by a sharp object, while a laceration is a tear or cut in the skin that may be deeper and wider. Puncture wounds typically do not have significant tissue loss, whereas lacerations may involve more extensive damage.