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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS81.012

S81.012

Billable

Laceration without foreign body, left knee

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/26/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S81.012 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body, left knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S81.012 refers to a laceration of the left knee that does not involve any foreign body. This type of injury typically occurs due to trauma, such as falls, sports injuries, or accidents. The knee is a complex joint composed of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, making it susceptible to various injuries. A laceration can range from superficial cuts affecting only the skin to deeper wounds that may involve underlying structures such as ligaments or tendons. Proper assessment and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as infection or impaired knee function. Treatment may involve cleaning the wound, suturing if necessary, and providing appropriate follow-up care. In cases where the laceration is associated with other knee injuries, such as ligament tears or fractures, comprehensive evaluation and management are essential to ensure optimal recovery and restore knee stability and function.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between superficial and deep lacerations
  • Identifying associated injuries (e.g., ligament tears, fractures)
  • Documenting the mechanism of injury accurately
  • Understanding the implications of laceration depth on treatment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to specify the depth of the laceration
  • Misclassification of the injury type (e.g., coding as a fracture)
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the injury, treatment provided, and any associated injuries.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Lacerations resulting from sports injuries, falls, or accidents requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document any associated ligament or tendon injuries that may require additional coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough assessment of the injury, including mechanism, depth, and any immediate treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute knee injuries following trauma.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of the injury's nature and any immediate interventions is critical for proper coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S81.012 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S81
  • 012 should be used when documenting a laceration of the left knee without foreign body involvement
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S81.012 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12002CPT Code

Simple repair of laceration, face, ears, eyelids, scalp; 2.5 cm or less

Clinical Scenario

Used for simple laceration repairs in the knee area.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the laceration.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may perform more complex repairs requiring additional 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, improving the accuracy of medical records and billing. S81.012 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, which aids in treatment planning and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lacerations, improving the accuracy of medical records and billing. S81.012 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, which aids in treatment planning and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing. S81.012 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, which aids in treatment planning and resource allocation.

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 S81.012 and S81.011?

S81.012 is used for lacerations without foreign bodies, while S81.011 is for lacerations that involve a foreign body. Accurate documentation is crucial to determine which code to use.