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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS21.121

S21.121

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of right front wall of thorax without penetration into thoracic cavity

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S21.121 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of right front wall of thorax without penetration into thoracic cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S21.121 refers to a specific type of chest trauma characterized by a laceration on the right front wall of the thorax that is accompanied by a foreign body but does not penetrate the thoracic cavity. This condition can arise from various incidents, including accidents or assaults, where sharp objects or debris cause injury to the chest wall. Clinically, it is essential to assess the extent of the laceration, the presence of any foreign bodies, and the potential for associated injuries such as rib fractures, pneumothorax, or hemothorax. While the thoracic cavity remains intact, the laceration may still pose risks of infection, bleeding, or damage to underlying structures. Proper imaging and clinical evaluation are crucial to rule out complications and determine the appropriate management, which may include surgical intervention to remove foreign bodies or repair the laceration. The absence of penetration into the thoracic cavity is a critical aspect of this diagnosis, as it influences treatment decisions and potential outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between lacerations with and without foreign bodies
  • Assessing the need for imaging studies to rule out deeper injuries
  • Documenting the exact location and nature of the laceration
  • Understanding the implications of associated injuries like pneumothorax or hemothorax

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the laceration's characteristics
  • Failure to document the presence or removal of foreign bodies
  • Misclassification of the injury type (e.g., coding as a penetrating injury)
  • Lack of imaging reports to support the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the mechanism of injury, physical examination findings, and any imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with trauma from accidents, falls, or assaults with chest wall injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented to support comprehensive coding.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the procedure performed, including foreign body removal and laceration repair.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for lacerations with foreign bodies requiring exploration and repair.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of surgical procedures in conjunction with the diagnosis is essential.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S21.121 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S21
  • 121 should be used when there is a documented laceration with a foreign body on the right front wall of the thorax without penetration into the thoracic cavity
  • It is essential to ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S21.121 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when the laceration is superficial and requires simple closure.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the laceration, as well as the technique used.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine and surgical specialties should ensure accurate coding based on the complexity of the repair.

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 those with foreign bodies. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve patient care and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve 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 significance of documenting foreign bodies in laceration cases?

Documenting foreign bodies is crucial as it impacts the management of the injury and the coding process. It can affect treatment decisions, potential surgical interventions, and the overall complexity of the case.