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 CodesS61.20

S61.20

Billable

Unspecified open wound of other finger without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of other finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the finger refers to a traumatic injury that results in a break in the skin of the finger, excluding any damage to the nail. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms such as lacerations, punctures, or abrasions. The wound may involve soft tissue, including skin, subcutaneous tissue, and possibly deeper structures like tendons or nerves, although the specific details of these injuries are not specified in this code. Open wounds can lead to complications such as infection, delayed healing, or scarring. Treatment often involves cleaning the wound, possibly suturing, and monitoring for signs of infection. In cases where deeper structures are involved, further evaluation and intervention may be necessary, including imaging studies or surgical repair. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement, as well as for tracking injury patterns in epidemiological studies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of wound depth and extent
  • Potential involvement of underlying structures (tendons, nerves)
  • Differentiation from other finger injuries (e.g., fractures, dislocations)
  • Need for precise clinical details to avoid misclassification

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the depth of the wound
  • Lack of follow-up documentation regarding healing or complications
  • Misclassification of the injury type (open vs. closed)

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the injury mechanism, wound assessment, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with lacerations from accidents, sports injuries, or workplace incidents.

Billing Considerations

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

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluation of any potential tendon or nerve involvement, imaging results, and surgical notes if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of complex finger injuries involving tendons or nerves.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical interventions clearly to support coding for associated procedures.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.20 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the specifics of the injury do not fit into more defined categories

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.20 When
  • Exclude cases where the nail is damaged or where the injury is more specific

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for repair of the open wound on the finger.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document any tendon repair if applicable.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding open wounds, improving the ability to track and manage hand injuries effectively. This code provides a clear classification for unspecified open wounds, facilitating better patient care and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding open wounds, improving the ability to track and manage hand injuries effectively. This code provides a clear classification for unspecified open wounds, facilitating better patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding open wounds, improving the ability to track and manage hand injuries effectively. This code provides a clear classification for unspecified open wounds, facilitating better 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 I document to support the use of S61.20?

Document the mechanism of injury, the extent of the wound, any treatment provided, and follow-up care to ensure accurate coding.