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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.042

S21.042

Billable

Puncture wound with foreign body of left breast

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.042 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body of left breast.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound with a foreign body in the left breast typically occurs due to trauma, such as a stab wound or an injury from a sharp object. This type of injury can lead to various complications, including infection, bleeding, and damage to underlying structures such as muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. The presence of a foreign body can complicate the healing process and may require surgical intervention for removal. Clinicians must assess the extent of the injury, including any associated chest trauma, rib fractures, pneumothorax, or hemothorax, which can occur due to penetrating injuries in the thoracic region. Cardiac injuries may also be a concern if the wound is deep enough to affect the pericardium or myocardium. Proper imaging and evaluation are crucial to determine the need for thoracic surgical interventions, such as chest tube placement or exploratory surgery, to address any complications arising from the injury.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates the clinical picture.
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., pneumothorax, hemothorax).
  • Need for surgical intervention may vary based on injury severity.
  • Documentation must clearly specify the nature of the wound and foreign body.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body.
  • Failure to document associated injuries.
  • Misclassification of the wound depth.
  • Lack of clarity on the treatment provided.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with stab wounds, gunshot wounds, or accidental punctures.

Billing Considerations

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

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the removal of foreign bodies and any repairs made to underlying structures.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for foreign body removal and repair of damaged tissues.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must specify the type of foreign body and any complications encountered during surgery.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.042 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury type, location, and any foreign bodies present
  • Include any associated injuries or complications in the coding process

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.042 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

10120CPT Code

Incision and drainage of abscess

Clinical Scenario

Used when an abscess forms due to the puncture wound.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size, location, and nature of the abscess.

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

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 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 for a puncture wound with a foreign body?

Documentation should include the mechanism of injury, the type and location of the foreign body, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided.