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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.039

S21.039

Billable

Puncture wound without foreign body of unspecified breast

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.039 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body of unspecified breast.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound of the 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 trauma from sharp objects, animal bites, or accidental injuries. The breast tissue is highly vascular and sensitive, making puncture wounds potentially complicated by bleeding, infection, or damage to underlying structures, including muscles and nerves. In cases of significant trauma, associated injuries such as rib fractures, pneumothorax, or hemothorax may also occur, necessitating careful evaluation and management. The absence of a foreign body simplifies the clinical picture, but thorough assessment is essential to rule out complications. Treatment typically involves wound care, monitoring for signs of infection, and, in some cases, surgical intervention if deeper structures are involved. Accurate coding is crucial for appropriate reimbursement and to reflect the severity of the injury in clinical documentation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Potential for associated injuries requiring additional codes
  • Differentiation from similar codes for breast injuries
  • Need for precise anatomical localization in documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to document associated injuries
  • Misclassification of the injury type
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed account of the injury mechanism, vital signs, and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from accidents or assaults.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the urgency of care and any immediate interventions performed.

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive surgical notes detailing the procedure, findings, and post-operative care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for complicated puncture wounds or associated injuries.

Billing Considerations

Document any additional procedures performed, such as drainage of hematomas or repair of underlying structures.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.039 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury type and mechanism
  • Include any associated injuries or complications in coding to reflect the full clinical picture

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.039 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 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 greater specificity in coding injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and associated complications, improving patient care and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and associated complications, improving patient care 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 is the difference between S21.039 and S21.031?

S21.039 is used for puncture wounds of the unspecified breast, while S21.031 specifies a puncture wound of the right breast. Accurate coding requires attention to the specific site of the injury.