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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.129

S61.129

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of unspecified thumb with damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.129 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of unspecified thumb with damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code S61.129 describes a laceration of the thumb that is accompanied by a foreign body and includes damage to the nail. This type of injury typically occurs due to accidents involving sharp objects, machinery, or falls. The presence of a foreign body complicates the injury, as it may require additional surgical intervention to remove the object and repair the laceration. Damage to the nail can lead to complications such as nail deformity or infection. Clinically, the patient may present with pain, swelling, and bleeding at the site of injury. Assessment often includes imaging studies to evaluate for deeper structures' involvement, such as tendons or nerves. Treatment may involve wound cleaning, foreign body removal, and possible surgical repair of the nail bed or surrounding structures. Proper documentation is crucial to capture the extent of the injury and the treatment provided, ensuring accurate coding and billing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of a foreign body complicates the injury.
  • Potential for associated injuries to tendons or nerves.
  • Need for detailed documentation of the injury's extent.
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on injury severity.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body.
  • Failure to specify the extent of nail damage.
  • Misclassification of the injury site.
  • Lack of clarity on associated tendon or nerve injuries.

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 requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all associated injuries are documented to support coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive notes on the mechanism of injury, initial assessment, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute presentations of hand injuries with foreign bodies.

Billing Considerations

Timely documentation is critical for accurate coding and billing.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.129 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the documentation supports the diagnosis
  • Include details about the foreign body and any associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.129 When
  • Exclude codes that do not specify the presence of a foreign body or nail damage

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 surgeons may perform more complex repairs.

10120CPT Code

Incision and removal of foreign body

Clinical Scenario

Used when the foreign body requires surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative report documenting the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine specialists often perform this procedure.

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, which enhances 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, which enhances 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 should be documented for S61.129?

Documentation should include the mechanism of injury, details of the laceration, presence of any foreign body, extent of nail damage, and any associated injuries.