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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.032

S61.032

Billable

Puncture wound without foreign body of left thumb without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.032 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body of left thumb without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound of the left thumb is characterized by a small, deep injury caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin. This type of wound typically does not involve any foreign body, such as a splinter or metal fragment, and does not damage the nail. Clinically, puncture wounds can lead to complications such as infection, especially if the wound is not properly cleaned and treated. The left thumb, being a critical digit for hand function, may also be at risk for tendon injuries or nerve damage, particularly if the puncture is deep. Assessment of the wound should include a thorough examination for signs of infection, assessment of range of motion, and evaluation of any potential damage to underlying structures. Treatment may involve cleaning the wound, applying a sterile dressing, and possibly administering a tetanus shot if indicated. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary if there is significant damage to tendons or nerves, or if the wound becomes infected. Proper documentation of the injury, treatment provided, and follow-up care is essential for accurate coding and billing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between puncture wounds and lacerations
  • Assessing for potential underlying tendon or nerve injuries
  • Documenting the absence of foreign bodies
  • Understanding the implications of the injury on hand function

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to specify the absence of foreign bodies
  • Misclassification of the wound type (puncture vs. laceration)
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the injury, treatment provided, and any follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from various sources, such as nails, glass, or animal bites.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the mechanism of injury is clearly documented to support the diagnosis.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of potential tendon or nerve involvement, including imaging if necessary.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with puncture wounds requiring surgical intervention due to complications.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical procedures performed and the rationale for intervention.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.032 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S61
  • 032 should be used when documenting a puncture wound of the left thumb without foreign body and without nail damage
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.032 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for repairing a puncture wound that does not involve deeper structures.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure aligns with the diagnosis of a puncture wound.

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. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, leading to improved patient care and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, leading to improved patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity helps in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, leading to improved 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 difference between a puncture wound and a laceration?

A puncture wound is a small, deep injury caused by a sharp object, while a laceration is a tear or cut in the skin that may be wider and more superficial. Puncture wounds can be more prone to infection due to their depth and the nature of the injury.