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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.309

S61.309

Billable

Unspecified open wound of unspecified finger with damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.309 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of unspecified finger with damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the finger with damage to the nail indicates a traumatic injury that has penetrated the skin and may involve the nail bed or nail matrix. Such injuries can result from various incidents, including cuts, lacerations, or punctures, often leading to complications such as infection, nail deformity, or loss of the nail. The severity of the wound can vary, and it may require different levels of medical intervention, from simple wound care to surgical repair. In cases where the wound is deep, there may be associated injuries to underlying structures, including tendons, nerves, or blood vessels. Accurate assessment and documentation of the wound's characteristics, including depth, location, and any associated injuries, are crucial for appropriate coding and treatment planning. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific finger involved is not documented, which can complicate treatment and follow-up care.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified nature of the injury complicates treatment planning.
  • Potential for associated injuries (tendons, nerves) that may not be documented.
  • Variability in clinical presentation and required interventions.
  • Need for precise documentation to avoid coding errors.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury specifics.
  • Failure to document associated injuries.
  • Use of unspecified codes without justification.
  • Inconsistent coding practices across providers.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the wound, associated injuries, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures associated with open wounds, tendon repairs, and nail bed injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented to support coding for potential surgical interventions.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough assessment of the wound, including depth, location, and any immediate interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute trauma cases presenting with open wounds requiring immediate care.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the mechanism of injury can aid in coding and treatment decisions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.309 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, this code should be used when the specific finger is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the use of an unspecified code and that all relevant details are captured to avoid ambiguity

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.309 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for repair of an open wound on an unspecified finger.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and depth of the wound, as well as the method of repair.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document any associated tendon or nerve repairs.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding, but the use of unspecified codes like S61.309 can lead to challenges in treatment planning and reimbursement. Coders must ensure that they capture all relevant details to avoid potential denials.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding, but the use of unspecified codes like S61.309 can lead to challenges in treatment planning and reimbursement. Coders must ensure that they capture all relevant details to avoid potential denials.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement. Coders must ensure that they capture all relevant details to avoid potential denials.

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 S61.309?

Document the specifics of the injury, including the mechanism of injury, depth of the wound, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided. This will help justify the use of an unspecified code.