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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS71.149

S71.149

Billable

Puncture wound with foreign body, unspecified thigh

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/25/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S71.149 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body, unspecified thigh.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound with a foreign body in the thigh is a specific type of injury characterized by a breach in the skin and underlying tissues caused by a sharp object that penetrates the thigh area. This injury can occur due to various incidents, including accidents involving sharp tools, falls, or violence. The presence of a foreign body complicates the injury, as it may lead to infection, delayed healing, or further tissue damage. Clinically, the patient may present with localized pain, swelling, and signs of inflammation. The management of such injuries often requires thorough cleaning of the wound, removal of the foreign body, and possibly surgical intervention if the foreign object is deeply embedded or if there is significant tissue damage. Orthopedic trauma surgery may be necessary if the injury involves deeper structures such as muscles, tendons, or bones. Additionally, the risk of complications such as osteomyelitis or abscess formation necessitates careful monitoring and follow-up care. Accurate coding of this condition is crucial for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Determining the exact location of the puncture wound
  • Identifying the type of foreign body involved
  • Assessing the extent of tissue damage
  • Differentiating from similar codes for other types of wounds

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type
  • Failure to specify the exact location of the wound
  • Lack of details regarding the treatment provided
  • Inconsistent coding with the clinical documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, imaging studies, and follow-up assessments are essential for accurate coding.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of puncture wounds with foreign bodies, surgical removal of foreign objects, and treatment of associated fractures.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant details about the injury and treatment are documented, including any complications.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of the initial assessment, treatment provided, and any referrals made.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires clear documentation of the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S71.149 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code accurately reflects the patient's condition
  • Include any relevant details about the foreign body and the treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S71.149 When
  • Exclude codes for other types of wounds or injuries that do not involve a foreign body

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

10120CPT Code

Incision and drainage, abscess

Clinical Scenario

Used when the puncture wound becomes infected and requires drainage.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the abscess, as well as the procedure performed.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document the extent of tissue involvement.

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into a major joint or bursa

Clinical Scenario

Used if the puncture wound leads to joint involvement.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved and the reason for the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the orthopedic specialty notes the joint status pre- and post-procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of puncture wounds, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S71.149 provides a clear framework for documenting injuries involving foreign bodies, which was less detailed in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of puncture wounds, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S71.149 provides a clear framework for documenting injuries involving foreign bodies, which was less detailed in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S71.149 provides a clear framework for documenting injuries involving foreign bodies, which was less detailed in ICD-9.

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 puncture wound with a foreign body?

Document the mechanism of injury, the type of foreign body, the location of the wound, any treatment provided, and the patient's response to treatment.

How do I differentiate between a puncture wound and a laceration?

A puncture wound is characterized by a small opening caused by a sharp object, while a laceration involves a tear or cut in the skin. Accurate documentation of the injury type is essential for correct coding.