ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS51.822

S51.822

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of left forearm

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/24/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S51.822 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of left forearm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S51.822 refers to a laceration of the left forearm that is complicated by the presence of a foreign body. This condition typically arises from traumatic incidents such as accidents or falls where sharp objects penetrate the skin, leading to both a laceration and the introduction of foreign materials into the wound. Clinically, this can result in significant complications, including infection, delayed healing, and potential damage to underlying structures such as muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. The management of such injuries often requires thorough cleaning of the wound, removal of the foreign body, and careful assessment of the extent of tissue damage. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the laceration and ensure proper healing. The presence of a foreign body complicates the injury, necessitating careful documentation of the type and location of the foreign material, as well as any associated procedures performed to address the injury.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates coding and treatment.
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., fractures, nerve damage).
  • Variability in documentation based on the nature of the foreign body.
  • Need for precise anatomical location coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type and location.
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications.
  • Incorrect coding of the anatomical site.
  • Lack of clarity in the treatment plan and procedures performed.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes describing the laceration, foreign body removal, and any repairs performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures associated with lacerations, compartment syndrome due to swelling.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all related injuries are documented, including imaging studies.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of the mechanism of injury, initial assessment, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute trauma cases with lacerations and foreign bodies requiring immediate care.

Billing Considerations

Document all interventions and patient responses to treatment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S51.822 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S51
  • 822 should be used when a laceration of the left forearm is accompanied by a foreign body
  • Coders must ensure accurate documentation of the injury's specifics, including the type of foreign body and any associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S51.822 When
  • Exclusions include lacerations without foreign bodies or those affecting other anatomical sites

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12002CPT Code

Simple repair of laceration, face, ears, eyelids, scalp, neck; 2.5 cm or less

Clinical Scenario

Used when a simple repair is performed on a laceration with a foreign body.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the laceration and the presence of the foreign body.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document additional details regarding 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 improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track and manage patient outcomes.

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 improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track and manage patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies. This specificity improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track and manage patient 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 importance of documenting the foreign body type?

Documenting the foreign body type is crucial for accurate coding, as it impacts the treatment plan and potential complications associated with the injury.