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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.243

S61.243

Billable

Puncture wound with foreign body of left middle finger without damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.243 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body of left middle finger without damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound with a foreign body in the left middle finger is a specific type of injury that occurs when a sharp object penetrates the skin, potentially introducing foreign material into the wound. This injury can result from various incidents, such as accidents involving tools, needles, or other sharp objects. The absence of damage to the nail indicates that the injury is confined to the soft tissues of the finger, which may include the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and possibly deeper structures such as tendons or nerves. Clinically, such injuries can lead to complications, including infection, foreign body reaction, and potential damage to underlying structures. Proper assessment and management are crucial to prevent long-term functional impairment. Treatment may involve cleaning the wound, removing the foreign body, and possibly suturing if the wound is deep. Follow-up care is essential to monitor for signs of infection or other complications. Accurate coding of this injury is vital for appropriate reimbursement and tracking of hand trauma cases.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for precise documentation of the foreign body type and location
  • Differentiation from similar codes related to puncture wounds
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., tendon or nerve damage)
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on the severity of the injury

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type
  • Failure to document the absence of nail damage
  • Lack of follow-up notes indicating the outcome of treatment
  • Misclassification of the injury severity

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the mechanism of injury, foreign body type, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from various sources, such as gardening tools or industrial accidents.

Billing Considerations

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

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of any potential tendon or nerve involvement, including imaging results if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for foreign body removal or repair of associated injuries.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical findings and post-operative care to support coding for procedures.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.243 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury type, location, and any associated injuries
  • Include details about the foreign body and treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.243 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

10120CPT Code

Incision and drainage, abscess

Clinical Scenario

Used if the puncture wound becomes infected and requires drainage.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for drainage and any findings during the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may perform this if there is concern for deeper infection.

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 with foreign bodies, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds with foreign bodies, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds with foreign bodies, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care tracking.

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 a puncture wound with a foreign body?

Document the mechanism of injury, type of foreign body, location of the wound, and any treatment provided, including follow-up care.