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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS61.421

S61.421

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of right hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.421 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of right hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S61.421 refers to a laceration of the right hand that is complicated by the presence of a foreign body. This condition typically arises from traumatic incidents such as cuts or punctures caused by sharp objects, tools, or machinery. The presence of a foreign body can complicate the healing process, increase the risk of infection, and necessitate surgical intervention to remove the object and repair the laceration. Clinicians must assess the extent of the injury, which may involve damage to the skin, underlying tissues, tendons, and nerves. Proper evaluation is crucial as lacerations can lead to functional impairments, especially if tendons or nerves are involved. Treatment may include wound cleaning, foreign body removal, and suturing, with potential referrals to hand specialists for complex cases. Accurate documentation of the injury's specifics, including the type of foreign body and any associated injuries, is essential for appropriate coding and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates the injury.
  • Potential for associated injuries (tendons, nerves).
  • Variability in treatment approaches (surgical vs. non-surgical).
  • Need for detailed documentation of the injury mechanism.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type.
  • Failure to document associated injuries (tendon, nerve).
  • Misclassification of the injury severity.
  • Lack of clarity on the mechanism of injury.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Repair of lacerations involving tendons or nerves, foreign body removal.

Billing Considerations

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

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment notes, including mechanism of injury and immediate treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and management of hand lacerations with foreign bodies.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of the injury's specifics and any referrals made for further treatment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.421 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury's specifics, including the presence of foreign bodies and any associated injuries
  • Include details on the mechanism of injury and treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.421 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 foreign bodies.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the laceration.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document additional details for complex repairs.

10120CPT Code

Incision and removal of foreign body

Clinical Scenario

Used when a foreign body is removed from a laceration.

Documentation Requirements

Document the type of foreign body and the method of removal.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the surgical notes detail the procedure performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including the differentiation of lacerations with and without foreign bodies. This specificity improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including the differentiation of lacerations with and without foreign bodies. This specificity improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including the differentiation of lacerations with and without foreign bodies. This specificity improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track treatment outcomes.

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 S61.421 and S61.420?

S61.421 is used when there is a laceration with a foreign body present, while S61.420 is for lacerations without any foreign body. Accurate documentation of the presence of a foreign body is crucial for correct coding.