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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.311

S61.311

Billable

Laceration without foreign body of left index finger with damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.311 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of left index finger with damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S61.311 refers to a laceration of the left index finger that does not involve a foreign body and includes damage to the nail. This type of injury is common in various settings, including workplaces, homes, and during recreational activities. The laceration may vary in depth and severity, potentially affecting the skin, underlying tissues, and the nail bed. Clinically, such injuries can lead to complications such as infection, delayed healing, or nail deformities if not properly treated. The management of this condition typically involves thorough cleaning of the wound, possible suturing, and monitoring for signs of infection. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair deeper structures or to address nail bed injuries. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment reimbursement and to ensure that the patient's medical history reflects the nature of the injury.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between lacerations with and without foreign bodies
  • Assessing the extent of nail damage
  • Determining the need for surgical intervention
  • Documenting associated injuries (e.g., tendon or nerve damage)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury's severity
  • Failure to specify the extent of nail damage
  • Misclassification of the injury type (e.g., laceration vs. puncture)
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on healing or complications

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, extent of damage, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures associated with lacerations, tendon repairs, and nail bed surgeries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented to support the complexity of the case.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of the injury, including vital signs and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute lacerations requiring immediate care, including wound cleaning and suturing.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any immediate complications observed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.311 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S61
  • 311 should be used when documenting a laceration of the left index finger without foreign body involvement and with nail damage
  • It is important to ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.311 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for lacerations requiring suturing without extensive tissue damage.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document any associated tendon repairs.

26160CPT Code

Nail bed repair

Clinical Scenario

Used when the nail bed is damaged and requires surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the extent of nail damage and repair technique.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the surgical approach is documented for accurate coding.

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 lacerations, which improves the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes. S61.311 provides a clear distinction for lacerations of the left index finger, enhancing clinical data quality.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, such as lacerations, which improves the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes. S61.311 provides a clear distinction for lacerations of the left index finger, enhancing clinical data quality.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S61.311 provides a clear distinction for lacerations of the left index finger, enhancing clinical data quality.

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 significance of coding S61.311 accurately?

Accurate coding of S61.311 is crucial for proper reimbursement, tracking of injury types, and ensuring that the patient's medical record accurately reflects the nature of their injury and treatment.