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 CodesS61.022

S61.022

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of left thumb without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.022 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of left thumb without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S61.022 refers to a specific type of injury characterized by a laceration of the left thumb that includes a foreign body embedded within the wound, but does not involve any damage to the nail. Such injuries are common in various settings, particularly in occupational or recreational environments where sharp objects or tools are used. The presence of a foreign body complicates the injury, as it may lead to infection, delayed healing, or further tissue damage if not properly addressed. Treatment typically involves thorough cleaning of the wound, removal of the foreign body, and possibly suturing the laceration to promote healing. The absence of nail damage is significant, as it indicates a lower risk of complications related to nail growth or deformity. Accurate coding of this condition is essential for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement, as well as for tracking injury patterns in public health data.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of a foreign body complicates the injury management.
  • Differentiation from other types of lacerations and injuries.
  • Need for precise documentation of the location and extent of the injury.
  • Potential for associated injuries such as tendon or nerve damage.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type and location.
  • Failure to specify the absence of nail damage.
  • Misclassification of the injury severity.
  • Inconsistent coding of associated injuries (e.g., tendon or nerve damage).

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, foreign body characteristics, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with hand injuries from accidents, including cuts from tools or machinery.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all aspects of the injury are documented, including any imaging or consultations for potential nerve or tendon involvement.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of the injury, including any surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of lacerations involving deeper structures, such as tendons or nerves.

Billing Considerations

Document any findings related to the foreign body and its impact on surrounding structures.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.022 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S61
  • 022 should be used when a laceration with a foreign body is documented without nail damage
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the presence of a foreign body and the specific location of the laceration

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.022 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 repaired without complications.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the laceration and the method of repair.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document any additional procedures if deeper structures are involved.

10120CPT Code

Incision and removal of foreign body

Clinical Scenario

Used when a foreign body is removed from the laceration.

Documentation Requirements

Document the type of foreign body and the method of removal.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the foreign body is clearly identified in the operative report.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, such as S61.022, which provides better data for tracking injury patterns and outcomes. This specificity aids in treatment planning and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, such as S61.022, which provides better data for tracking injury patterns and outcomes. This specificity aids in treatment planning and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 to support the use of S61.022?

Documentation should include the mechanism of injury, details about the foreign body, the condition of the nail, and any treatment provided. Clear notes on the absence of nail damage are crucial.