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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.00

S61.00

Billable

Unspecified open wound of thumb without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.00 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of thumb without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the thumb without damage to the nail refers to a traumatic injury characterized by a break in the skin on the thumb, which may involve varying degrees of tissue damage but does not affect the nail structure. Such wounds can arise from various incidents, including cuts, lacerations, or punctures, and may be caused by sharp objects, machinery, or falls. Clinically, these wounds can lead to complications such as infection, delayed healing, or damage to underlying structures, including tendons and nerves. The thumb is crucial for hand function, and injuries in this area can significantly impact daily activities. Treatment may involve cleaning the wound, suturing if necessary, and monitoring for signs of infection. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to repair damaged tendons or nerves, especially if the injury is severe. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment documentation and reimbursement, as well as for tracking injury patterns and outcomes in hand trauma cases.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in wound severity and treatment options
  • Potential for associated injuries (tendon, nerve, fracture)
  • Need for detailed documentation to support coding
  • Differentiation from similar codes for other finger injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to specify the extent of the wound
  • Omission of associated injuries (e.g., tendon or nerve damage)
  • Incorrect coding of related procedures

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures or tendon injuries associated with open wounds of the thumb.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the complexity of the injury and any surgical repairs performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute presentation of open wounds due to accidents or trauma.

Billing Considerations

Document all assessments and interventions to support coding and billing.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.00 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, this code should be used when the specific nature of the open wound is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and that no additional details are available that would warrant a more specific code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.00 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when the open wound requires suturing or closure.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the wound, as well as the method of closure.

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 open wounds. S61.00 provides a clear designation for unspecified open wounds of the thumb, facilitating 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 open wounds. S61.00 provides a clear designation for unspecified open wounds of the thumb, facilitating 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 open wounds. S61.00 provides a clear designation for unspecified open wounds of the thumb, facilitating 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 should I document to support the use of S61.00?

Document the mechanism of injury, the extent of the wound, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided. Ensure that there is no evidence of nail damage to justify the use of this code.