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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.324

S61.324

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of right ring finger with damage to nail

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.324 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of right ring finger with damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S61.324 describes a specific type of injury characterized by a laceration on the right ring finger that includes a foreign body and damage to the nail. This condition typically arises from traumatic incidents such as cuts from sharp objects, punctures, or abrasions that introduce foreign materials into the wound. The presence of a foreign body complicates the injury, as it may lead to infection, delayed healing, or further tissue damage. The damage to the nail can manifest as a split, avulsion, or complete loss of the nail plate, which may require surgical intervention for repair or removal. Proper assessment of the injury is crucial, as it may involve evaluating for tendon or nerve damage, which can affect finger function. Treatment often includes cleaning the wound, removing the foreign body, and possibly suturing the laceration. In cases where the nail is severely damaged, nail bed repair may be necessary to ensure proper regrowth and function of the nail. This code is essential for accurately documenting the nature and extent of the injury for treatment and billing purposes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of a foreign body complicates the injury.
  • Potential for associated tendon or nerve damage.
  • Need for detailed documentation of the injury's extent.
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on injury severity.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body removal.
  • Failure to document the extent of nail damage.
  • Lack of clarity on associated tendon or nerve injuries.
  • Improper linkage between diagnosis and procedure codes.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes describing the laceration, foreign body removal, and any repairs performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Injuries from machinery, sports injuries, or accidents involving sharp objects.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the complexity of the injury and any associated repairs.

Plastic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive records of the surgical procedure, including pre-operative assessments and post-operative care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Reconstruction of nail bed or repair of soft tissue injuries.

Billing Considerations

Document the aesthetic and functional outcomes expected from the surgical intervention.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.324 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S61
  • 324 should be used when there is a documented laceration with a foreign body and nail damage
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and includes details about the foreign body and any associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.324 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for simple laceration repairs without significant tissue loss.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document additional details regarding tendon or nerve involvement.

12002CPT Code

Intermediate repair of wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when the laceration requires deeper tissue repair.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes and post-operative care plans.

Specialty Considerations

Plastic surgeons may focus on aesthetic outcomes in documentation.

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 S61.324, which captures the complexity of lacerations with foreign bodies and nail damage. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, such as S61.324, which captures the complexity of lacerations with foreign bodies and nail damage. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 importance of documenting the foreign body in S61.324?

Documenting the foreign body is crucial as it impacts the treatment plan, potential complications, and the complexity of the injury, which must be accurately reflected in coding for proper reimbursement.