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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS81.02

S81.02

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S81.02 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S81.02 refers to a laceration of the knee that is complicated by the presence of a foreign body. This condition typically arises from traumatic injuries, such as falls, sports injuries, or accidents, where sharp objects penetrate the knee joint or surrounding tissues. The knee is a complex joint composed of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, making it susceptible to various injuries. The presence of a foreign body can lead to complications such as infection, delayed healing, or further damage to the knee structures. Treatment often involves surgical intervention to remove the foreign body, repair any associated ligament tears, and address any fractures of the tibia or fibula. Post-operative care may include physical therapy to restore function and strength to the knee. Accurate coding of this condition is crucial for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the injury, especially when associated with other knee injuries or orthopedic procedures.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates the injury
  • Potential for associated injuries (ligament tears, fractures)
  • Variability in surgical procedures required
  • Need for detailed documentation of the injury mechanism

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body
  • Failure to document associated injuries
  • Incorrect coding of the type of laceration
  • Lack of clarity on the mechanism of injury

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for lacerations with foreign bodies, repair of ligament tears, and management of fractures.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all associated injuries are documented to support coding for multiple procedures.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of the initial assessment, mechanism of injury, and any imaging studies performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and stabilization of patients with knee lacerations and foreign bodies.

Billing Considerations

Document the urgency of the situation and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S81.02 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding injuries, ensuring accurate documentation of the laceration type, foreign body presence, and any associated injuries
  • Include details on the mechanism of injury and treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S81.02 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12032CPT Code

Repair of laceration, knee

Clinical Scenario

Used when performing surgical repair of a knee laceration with foreign body removal.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the laceration, foreign body, and repair performed.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure all aspects of the procedure are documented.

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 presence of 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 injuries, including the presence of 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 is the significance of coding S81.02?

Coding S81.02 accurately reflects the complexity of a knee laceration with a foreign body, which is crucial for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.