ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.4

S61.4

Billable

Open wound of hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.4 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open wound of hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open wound of the hand refers to a break in the skin that exposes underlying tissues, which can include muscles, tendons, nerves, and bones. This type of injury can result from various mechanisms, such as lacerations, punctures, or abrasions, often occurring in occupational settings or due to accidents. Open wounds can lead to complications such as infection, delayed healing, and functional impairment. The severity of the wound can vary, with some requiring surgical intervention to repair damaged structures, such as tendons or nerves. In cases where fractures are present, appropriate imaging and evaluation are necessary to determine the extent of the injury. Treatment may involve wound care, immobilization, and possibly surgical repair, depending on the complexity of the injury. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the severity of the injury in the patient's medical record.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential injuries (tendons, nerves, fractures)
  • Need for detailed documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Potential for multiple codes to describe associated injuries
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on injury severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to specify the depth and extent of the wound
  • Omission of associated injuries (e.g., fractures, tendon damage)
  • Incorrect coding of related procedures

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the injury, surgical procedures performed, and post-operative care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures associated with open wounds, tendon repairs, and nerve decompression.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of both the wound and any surgical interventions performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of the mechanism of injury, initial assessment, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute presentations of open wounds, management of infections, and referrals for surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Document all assessments and treatments to support coding for potential complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.4 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring to document the specific type of open wound (e
  • , laceration, puncture) and any associated injuries
  • Include details about the treatment provided and any complications that arise

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.4 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for simple lacerations of the hand.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the wound, and the repair technique used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may perform more complex repairs requiring additional coding.

26300CPT Code

Tendon repair

Clinical Scenario

Used when a tendon is repaired due to an open wound.

Documentation Requirements

Detail the tendon involved and the method of repair.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of the tendon and any associated procedures.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of open wounds, improving the accuracy of medical records and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking outcomes and complications associated with hand injuries.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of open wounds, improving the accuracy of medical records and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking outcomes and complications associated with hand injuries.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking outcomes and complications associated with hand injuries.

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 difference between an open wound and a closed wound?

An open wound involves a break in the skin that exposes underlying tissues, while a closed wound does not break the skin and may involve bruising or internal damage.