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 CodesS61.429

S61.429

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of unspecified hand

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S61.429 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of unspecified hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S61.429 refers to a laceration of the hand that is accompanied by a foreign body, where the specific finger or part of the hand is not specified. This type of injury often occurs in various settings, including workplaces, homes, and during recreational activities. The presence of a foreign body complicates the injury, as it may lead to infection, delayed healing, or further tissue damage. Clinically, the management of such lacerations involves thorough cleaning, possible surgical intervention to remove the foreign body, and repair of any damaged structures, including tendons, nerves, or blood vessels. The complexity of treatment increases if there is associated damage to the underlying structures, which may require specialized surgical techniques. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the severity of the injury, as well as to ensure appropriate follow-up care and rehabilitation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates the injury management.
  • Potential for associated injuries (tendons, nerves, fractures).
  • Variability in documentation of the specific location and extent of the laceration.
  • Need for surgical intervention may vary based on the injury severity.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body and its removal.
  • Failure to document associated injuries (e.g., tendon or nerve damage).
  • Misclassification of the injury severity.
  • Lack of clarity on the specific location of the laceration.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Lacerations with embedded metal or glass requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

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

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment notes including mechanism of injury, foreign body identification, and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with lacerations from accidents or assaults with foreign bodies.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding based on initial evaluation and treatment plan is crucial for proper reimbursement.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S61.429 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the laceration is documented with the presence of a foreign body

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S61.429 When
  • Exclude codes for lacerations without foreign bodies or those that are not specified as involving the hand

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when a simple laceration repair is performed without extensive tissue damage.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document additional details if underlying structures are involved.

10120CPT Code

Incision and removal of foreign body

Clinical Scenario

Used when a foreign body is surgically removed from the laceration site.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes describing the foreign body and the removal process.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine specialists should ensure that all aspects of the procedure are 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 lacerations, particularly those involving foreign bodies, which enhances the accuracy of medical records and billing.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lacerations, particularly those involving foreign bodies, which enhances the accuracy of medical records and billing.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing.

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 I document for a laceration with a foreign body?

Document the mechanism of injury, the type of foreign body, the location and extent of the laceration, and any associated injuries or procedures performed.