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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS51.831

S51.831

Billable

Puncture wound without foreign body of right forearm

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S51.831 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body of right forearm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound without foreign body of the right forearm refers to an injury characterized by a small, deep wound caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin and underlying tissues. This type of injury can occur in various settings, including occupational accidents, sports injuries, or falls. Unlike lacerations, puncture wounds are typically narrow and can penetrate deeply into the muscle, fascia, or even bone, potentially leading to complications such as infection or damage to underlying structures. In the context of the forearm, such injuries may involve the radius or ulna, and if not properly assessed, can lead to complications like compartment syndrome, where increased pressure within the muscle compartments can impair blood flow and lead to muscle and nerve damage. Treatment often involves thorough cleaning of the wound, monitoring for signs of infection, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address any complications or to repair damaged structures. Proper documentation is crucial to ensure accurate coding and to reflect the severity and treatment of the injury.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between puncture wounds and other types of wounds.
  • Assessing the need for additional codes for complications such as compartment syndrome.
  • Understanding the anatomical implications of injuries to the forearm.
  • Documenting the absence of foreign bodies accurately.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism.
  • Failure to document the absence of foreign bodies.
  • Misclassification of the wound type (puncture vs. laceration).
  • Omission of associated complications like compartment syndrome.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the injury, treatment provided, and any surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of puncture wounds leading to fractures or compartment syndrome.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must reflect the complexity of the injury and any surgical procedures performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment findings, treatment provided in the emergency setting, and follow-up care instructions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and management of puncture wounds, including imaging for potential fractures.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of the mechanism of injury and any complications observed during the emergency visit.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S51.831 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S51
  • 831 should be used when documenting a puncture wound without foreign body
  • It is important to ensure that the documentation clearly states the absence of foreign bodies and any associated complications
  • The code should not be used for open fractures or wounds with foreign bodies

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S51.831 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when the puncture wound requires suturing.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the wound, and the repair technique used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document any additional procedures performed.

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, which helps in better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds, which helps in better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds, which helps in better tracking of injury types and treatment 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 difference between a puncture wound and a laceration?

A puncture wound is a deep, narrow wound caused by a sharp object, while a laceration is a tear or cut in the skin that may be wider and more superficial.