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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.042

S61.042

Billable

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.042 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body of left thumb without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound with a foreign body in the left thumb is a specific type of injury characterized by a sharp object penetrating the skin and underlying tissues without causing damage to the nail. This type of injury can occur in various settings, including occupational hazards, recreational activities, or accidents at home. The presence of a foreign body can complicate the healing process and may lead to infection or other complications if not properly addressed. Clinically, the patient may present with localized pain, swelling, and tenderness at the site of injury. The assessment may include a thorough examination to determine the depth of the wound, the nature of the foreign body, and any associated injuries to tendons, nerves, or blood vessels. Treatment typically involves careful removal of the foreign body, wound cleaning, and possibly the administration of antibiotics to prevent infection. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary if the foreign body is deeply embedded or if there is significant damage to surrounding structures.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for precise documentation of the foreign body type and location
  • Differentiation from other types of wounds (e.g., lacerations, abrasions)
  • Potential for associated injuries (tendons, nerves) that may require additional coding
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on the foreign body and injury severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type
  • Failure to document the absence of nail damage
  • Misclassification of the wound type
  • Lack of details regarding associated injuries

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from nails, splinters, or other sharp objects.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant details about the injury and treatment are documented to support the coding.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive notes on any surgical interventions, including foreign body removal and repair of associated injuries.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Cases requiring surgical intervention for deep puncture wounds with foreign bodies.

Billing Considerations

Document any potential nerve or tendon involvement to ensure accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.042 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S61
  • 042 should be used when a puncture wound with a foreign body is documented without damage to the nail
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.042 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

10120CPT Code

Incision and drainage of abscess

Clinical Scenario

Used if the puncture wound becomes infected and requires drainage.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for drainage and the condition of the wound.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is linked to the diagnosis of the 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 should be documented to support the use of S61.042?

Documentation should include the mechanism of injury, details about the foreign body, the absence of nail damage, and any associated injuries or treatments provided.