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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.238

S61.238

Billable

Puncture wound without foreign body of other finger without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.238 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body of other finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound of the finger is a type of injury that occurs when a sharp object penetrates the skin, creating a small hole. In the case of S61.238, the injury is specifically located on the 'other finger' (not the thumb) and does not involve any foreign body or damage to the nail. These wounds can occur in various settings, including occupational accidents, sports injuries, or household mishaps. While the wound may appear minor, it can lead to complications such as infection, tendon injury, or nerve damage if not properly assessed and treated. The absence of a foreign body simplifies the clinical management, as there is no need for removal of debris. However, thorough examination is essential to rule out deeper injuries, particularly to the flexor tendons or digital nerves, which may not be immediately apparent. Treatment typically involves cleaning the wound, possibly suturing if the wound is deep, and monitoring for signs of infection. Proper documentation of the injury's location, depth, and any associated symptoms is crucial for accurate coding and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between puncture wounds and lacerations.
  • Assessing for potential tendon or nerve involvement.
  • Documenting the absence of foreign bodies accurately.
  • Understanding the anatomical location of the injury.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury's specifics.
  • Failure to note associated complications.
  • Misclassification of the type of wound.
  • Inconsistent coding for follow-up visits.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document any signs of infection or complications that may require further intervention.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of potential tendon or nerve damage, imaging results if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with puncture wounds requiring surgical intervention due to deeper tissue involvement.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical procedures performed, including repair of tendons or nerves.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.238 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury's specifics, including the absence of foreign bodies and any associated complications
  • Use additional codes for any related conditions or complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.238 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when the puncture wound requires suturing.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and depth of the wound, and the repair performed.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document any tendon repair performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, such as puncture wounds, which aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, such as puncture wounds, which aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, such as puncture wounds, which aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes.

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 hole caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin, while a laceration is a tear or cut in the skin that may be deeper and wider.