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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.344

S61.344

Billable

Puncture wound 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 S61.344 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body of right ring finger with damage to nail.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S61.344 describes a puncture wound that occurs on the right ring finger, which is characterized by the penetration of a sharp object that may introduce a foreign body into the tissue. This injury often results in damage to the nail, which can complicate healing and may require surgical intervention. Puncture wounds can lead to various complications, including infection, tendon injury, and damage to underlying structures such as nerves and blood vessels. The presence of a foreign body increases the risk of infection and may necessitate removal through surgical procedures. Accurate assessment of the injury is crucial, as it can affect treatment options and outcomes. The management of such injuries typically involves thorough cleaning, possible imaging to assess for foreign bodies, and evaluation of the nail bed and surrounding structures to determine the extent of damage. In some cases, repair of the nail bed or surrounding soft tissue may be required to restore function and appearance.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates the injury.
  • Potential for associated tendon and nerve injuries.
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on injury severity.
  • Need for detailed documentation of the injury and treatment.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body removal.
  • Failure to document the extent of nail damage.
  • Lack of clarity on associated injuries (e.g., tendon or nerve).
  • Improper linkage between diagnosis and surgical procedures.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, imaging results, and post-operative care plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of puncture wounds with foreign bodies, repair of nail bed injuries, and tendon repairs.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the complexity of the injury and any surgical interventions performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough assessment notes, including mechanism of injury and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and management of puncture wounds, foreign body removal, and infection assessment.

Billing Considerations

Document the patient's history, physical exam findings, and any imaging performed to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.344 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S61
  • 344 should be used when a puncture wound with a foreign body is documented, specifically affecting the right ring finger and involving nail damage
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and any associated procedures

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.344 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when the wound requires closure after foreign body removal.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and extent of repair.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should document any associated tendon repairs.

10120CPT Code

Incision and drainage of abscess

Clinical Scenario

If the puncture wound becomes infected, this procedure may be necessary.

Documentation Requirements

Document signs of infection and the need for drainage.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers should note the patient's response to treatment.

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 with foreign bodies. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes, ultimately improving patient care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, such as puncture wounds with foreign bodies. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes, ultimately improving patient care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and to avoid 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 be documented for S61.344?

Documentation should include the mechanism of injury, details about the foreign body, extent of nail damage, any associated injuries, and treatment provided, including surgical interventions.