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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.121

S61.121

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of right thumb with damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.121 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of right thumb with damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S61.121 refers to a specific type of injury characterized by a laceration of the right thumb that includes the presence of a foreign body and damage to the nail. This injury typically occurs due to sharp objects, such as glass or metal, penetrating the skin and potentially embedding themselves within the soft tissue. The laceration may vary in depth and severity, affecting not only the skin but also underlying structures such as tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. Damage to the nail can lead to complications such as nail deformity or loss. Proper assessment is crucial to determine the extent of the injury, which may require imaging studies to evaluate for foreign bodies and assess for fractures or tendon injuries. Treatment often involves surgical intervention to remove the foreign body, repair the laceration, and address any damage to the nail or surrounding structures. Post-operative care is essential to prevent infection and promote healing, and follow-up visits may be necessary to monitor recovery and nail regrowth.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates the injury assessment.
  • Potential for associated tendon or nerve damage.
  • Need for surgical intervention increases documentation requirements.
  • Variability in injury severity affects coding specificity.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body.
  • Failure to specify the extent of nail damage.
  • Lack of clarity on associated injuries (e.g., tendon or nerve).
  • Incorrect coding of the procedure performed.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes describing the laceration, foreign body removal, and any repairs performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Injuries from machinery, sports injuries, or accidents involving sharp objects.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all associated injuries are documented to support the complexity of the case.

Plastic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive notes on the cosmetic and functional repair of the thumb, including any grafts or flaps used.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Reconstruction after traumatic injuries or cosmetic repairs following nail damage.

Billing Considerations

Document aesthetic outcomes and functional assessments post-surgery.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.121 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code accurately reflects the diagnosis based on clinical documentation
  • Include details about the foreign body and any associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.121 When
  • Exclude codes for unrelated conditions

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for repair of the laceration after foreign body removal.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and depth of the laceration.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic or plastic surgery notes should detail the repair process.

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 the presence of foreign bodies and associated complications, improving the accuracy of medical records and billing.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including the presence of foreign bodies and associated complications, improving the accuracy of medical records and billing.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing.

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 significance of coding S61.121 accurately?

Accurate coding of S61.121 is crucial for proper reimbursement, tracking of injury types, and ensuring that the patient's medical record reflects the complexity of their condition, which can impact treatment decisions and outcomes.